Prefix Vite env variables with VITE_ to expose them in React: VITE_API_URL. Access with import.meta.env.VITE_API_URL. Never put secrets in VITE_ variables — they are bundled into client-side JavaScript.
Environment Variables in React
# .env
VITE_API_URL=https://api.example.com
VITE_APP_NAME=MyApp
# Access in code (Vite)
const apiUrl = import.meta.env.VITE_API_URL;
# Create React App prefix
REACT_APP_API_URL=https://api.example.com
const url = process.env.REACT_APP_API_URL;
# Never expose secrets — VITE_ vars are public!