- How do I install aranyasen/laravel-env-sync in a Laravel application?
- Install it with Composer as a development dependency, typically using composer require --dev aranyasen/laravel-env-sync. Laravel package auto-discovery should register the service provider, after which you can run the package's Artisan commands. Check the README for the exact command names and any publishable configuration.
- Which Laravel and PHP versions does laravel-env-sync support?
- The provided context does not confirm a supported Laravel or PHP version matrix, so verify composer.json on Packagist and the GitHub repository before adopting it. Test it against the exact Laravel and PHP versions pinned in your application, such as Laravel 10, 11, or 12 and PHP 8.1 through 8.4. Do not assume compatibility from the package description alone.
- Can I use laravel-env-sync in CI to fail builds when .env keys drift?
- It can be useful in CI only if the comparison command returns a non-zero exit code when drift is detected and offers a non-destructive report-only mode. Both behaviors must be verified in a throwaway branch before you gate builds on the command. Add it as a Composer script or CI step that compares the committed .env.example against the appropriate environment file.
- Does laravel-env-sync modify my .env file or only report differences?
- The package is described as offering both checking and syncing, so it likely has a write path in addition to comparison. Verify whether the sync command can overwrite local values, reorder entries, or print sensitive data. Use any compare-only mode first and avoid running mutating commands against a developer's working .env without review.
- Is there a dry-run or report-only mode to avoid overwriting local values?
- A dry-run or report-only mode is not confirmed in the provided context, so inspect the README and source before relying on it. Prefer a compare-only command if one exists, and treat any sync command as potentially mutating. Back up local .env files and test the command on a disposable branch first.
- How does laravel-env-sync handle quoted values, comments, export prefixes, and empty .env values?
- The main functional risk is .env parsing, because naive parsers can mishandle quoted values containing hashes, export prefixes, multiline values, variable interpolation, empty values, duplicate keys, and commented-out keys. Any of these can produce false drift reports and erode trust in the check. Probe the command against your messiest real .env.example before adopting it.
- Does laravel-env-sync print secret values into CI logs or build artifacts?
- The context does not confirm whether the command ever echoes values rather than keys, so review the output behavior before using it in CI. Prefer key-only output and avoid exposing real production secrets to CI logs or artifacts. If the command prints values, restrict logging and use sanitized development files only.
- Can laravel-env-sync compare .env.testing, .env.ci, or multiple environment files?
- The package is described as checking or syncing two .env files, but multi-file support for .env.testing, .env.ci, or per-environment variants is not confirmed. Check whether the commands accept file paths or only default to .env versus .env.example. If multi-file support is absent, run the command separately for each pair you need to compare.
- Is laravel-env-sync safe for production deployments or platform-injected configuration?
- It is a developer-ergonomics tool, not a production configuration control or secret-management solution. It is a poor fit for platforms such as Laravel Cloud, Forge, Vapor, Kubernetes, or Docker secrets where configuration is injected and no runtime .env exists. Install it as require-dev and confirm it does not fire during production Composer installs where .env is absent.
- Is laravel-env-sync actively maintained, and what alternatives should I consider?
- The provided assessment flags vendor and traction risk: low stars, few dependents, a single maintainer, and an anomalous last-release date that should be checked directly on Packagist and GitHub. Alternatives include a small custom CI script that compares keys, dotenv-linter-style tooling, and config validation or config:cache checks in CI. For a narrow key comparison, a roughly 30-line in-house script may be lower risk than adopting an unvalidated package.