v0
deployment
Vercel Environment Variables Not Loading in Deployment
Your application builds successfully but environment variables aren't available at runtime in Vercel. Features depending on env vars fail in production, though they work in local development.
Environment variables don't load in Vercel when they're not properly configured in project settings, use incorrect naming conventions, or are set for wrong deployment environments.
Error Messages You Might See
Environment variable is undefined
process.env.VAR_NAME is undefined
API_URL not set
Missing environment configuration
Common Causes
- Environment variables not added to Vercel project settings (must be set in UI, not just .env)
- Variables set for wrong environment (e.g., production-only but accessing in preview deployment)
- Using .env file instead of Vercel Settings, and .env not committed (ignored by git)
- Variable names not prefixed with NEXT_PUBLIC_ for client-side access
- Redeployment not triggered after changing env vars, using cached build
How to Fix It
Set in Vercel UI: Go to Project Settings > Environment Variables. Add each variable for Production, Preview, Development as needed.
Restart deployment: After changing env vars, trigger new deployment: push to git or click 'Redeploy' button in Vercel.
Client-side vars: Prefix with NEXT_PUBLIC_: NEXT_PUBLIC_API_URL=https://api.example.com
Server secrets: Don't prefix secrets: DATABASE_URL=postgres://... keeps them server-only.
Real developers can help you.
Jacek Rozanski
Senior PHP/Symfony developer and DevOps engineer with 20+ years of professional experience, running opcode.pl (web development agency, est. 2004).
Day job: I'm the sole backend developer at merketing company where I own and maintain 11 PHP/Symfony microservices on AWS (ECS Fargate, RDS, S3, CloudFront), handle the full CI/CD pipeline (Bitbucket Pipelines, Docker), and manage monitoring with Sentry and CloudWatch. These services handle high request volumes in production every month.
What I bring to AI-built apps:
- I audit and fix security issues (OWASP methodology), performance bottlenecks, and architectural problems in codebases generated by Cursor, Claude Code, Lovable, Bolt, and v0
- I refactor AI-generated prototypes into production-grade applications with proper error handling, testing, and clean architecture (SOLID, DDD, hexagonal architecture)
- I set up the infrastructure AI tools don't touch: AWS hosting, CI/CD pipelines, automated deployments, database optimization, monitoring, and alerting
- I integrate external services: payment providers, email systems, partner APIs, SSO/auth
Tech stack: PHP 8.x, Symfony, React, Next.js, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Docker, AWS (ECS, RDS, S3, SQS/SNS, CloudFront), Terraform, Supabase. I also use AI tools daily (Claude Code, Cursor) in my own workflow, so I understand both the strengths and the gaps in AI-generated code.
Based in Poland (CET timezone). Available for async work and calls during EU/US business hours.
Rudra Bhikadiya
I build and fix web apps across Next.js, Node.js, and DBs.
Comfortable jumping into messy code, broken APIs, and mysterious bugs.
If your project works in theory but not in reality, I help close that gap.
Vlad Temian
15+ years shipping production infrastructure for startups. Former CTO at qed.builders (acquired by The Sandbox).
Cursor ambassador and agentic tooling builder.
I've scaled systems, automated deployments, and built observability tools for AI coding workflows. I specialize in taking vibe-coded apps from broken prototype to production-ready: fixing Supabase auth/RLS, Stripe integrations, deployment pipelines, and cleaning up AI-generated spaghetti.
I build tools in this space (agentprobe, claudebin, micode) and understand both sides: how AI generates code and why it breaks.
https://blog.vtemian.com/
PawelPloszaj
I'm fronted developer with 10+ years of experience with big projects. I have small backend background too
Jen Jacobsen
I’m a Full-Stack Developer with over 10 years of experience building modern web and mobile applications. I enjoy working across the full product lifecycle — turning ideas into real, well-built products that are intuitive for users and scalable for businesses.
I particularly enjoy building mobile apps, modern web platforms, and solving complex technical problems in a way that keeps systems clean, reliable, and easy to maintain.
David Olverson
Solo dev shipping production apps with AI-assisted development. I specialize in rescuing broken Lovable/Bolt/Cursor builds and taking them to production. 10+ apps shipped including SaaS CRMs, gaming platforms, real estate tools, and Discord bots. Stack: Next.js 16, TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, FastAPI, PostgreSQL, Prisma. I use Claude Code with 50+ custom skills for rapid delivery. Average turnaround: 2-4 weeks from broken prototype to production.
zipking
I am a technologist and product builder dedicated to creating high-impact solutions at the intersection of AI and specialized markets. Currently, I am focused on PropScan (EstateGuard), an AI-driven SaaS platform tailored for the Japanese real estate industry, and exploring the potential of Archify.
As an INFJ-T, I approach development with a "systems-thinking" mindset—balancing technical precision with a deep understanding of user needs. I particularly enjoy the challenge of architecting Vertical AI SaaS and optimizing Small Language Models (SLMs) to solve specific, real-world business problems. Whether I'm in a CTO-level leadership role or hands-on with the code, I thrive on building tools that turn complex data into actionable value.
Antriksh Narang
5 years+ Experienced Dev (Specially in Web Development), can help in python, javascript, react, next.js and full stack web dev technologies.
Matthew Butler
Systems Development Engineer @ Amazon Web Services
Daniel Vázquez
Software Engineer with over 10 years of experience on Startups, Government, big tech industry & consulting.
You don't need to be technical. Just describe what's wrong and a verified developer will handle the rest.
Get HelpFrequently Asked Questions
How do I add environment variables in Vercel?
Go to project > Settings > Environment Variables. Add each variable, select which environments (Production, Preview, Development) it applies to.
Should I commit .env file to git?
Never commit secrets. Commit .env.example with placeholder values. Use Vercel UI for actual secrets.
Why is API_KEY undefined in production?
Check 1) Variable set in Vercel Settings 2) Correct environment selected (Production vs Preview) 3) Deployment restarted after adding variable.