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docs: Add .env template and environment variables setup guide #23

@NobleCoder69

Description

@NobleCoder69

Problem Statement

Currently, developers don't know which environment variables are required to run GA4GH-RegBot. Without clear guidance, they:

  • Don't know what API keys are needed
  • Don't know where to store sensitive information
  • Risk committing secrets to Git
  • Waste time troubleshooting missing env vars

Objective

Create a .env.example template and comprehensive guide so developers can quickly set up their environment.

Acceptance Criteria

  1. Create .env.example with:

    • All required environment variables
    • Placeholder/example values
    • Comments explaining each variable
    • Security warnings where needed
  2. Create ENV_SETUP.md with:

    • Step-by-step setup instructions
    • Where to get API keys (OpenAI, etc.)
    • How to load env vars in Python code
    • Common mistakes to avoid
    • Security best practices
  3. Update README with:

    • Quick "Environment Setup" section
    • Link to ENV_SETUP.md
  4. Update CONTRIBUTING.md with:

    • Env setup requirement
    • Reference ENV_SETUP.md

Success Metrics

.env.example has all required variables documented
✅ ENV_SETUP.md is clear and comprehensive
✅ New developers can set up environment in < 5 minutes
✅ No accidental secret commits possible

Notes

  • Security first: Never commit .env file
  • .env.example should have placeholder values only
  • Document sensitive variables clearly

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