Environment variables and credentials

The Credentials Panel

When the Engineer scaffolds a full-stack codebase, it often relies on external services like Stripe for billing, OpenAI for AI features, or Supabase for databases.

Iterel provides a secure Credentials Panel where you can inject these API keys without hardcoding them into the generated files.

Open it by clicking the key icon in the bottom-left corner of the Code Editor.

Adding keys

The panel supports standard third-party services:

1. Open the Credentials Panel.
2. Click on the service you want to configure (e.g. "Stripe").
3. Paste your API keys into the respective fields (e.g. STRIPE_SECRET_KEY).
4. Click Save.

How secrets are handled

• Secure storage: Iterel encrypts your keys before storing them in the database.
• Injected into the file system: When you preview your build or download the code, Iterel safely loads these keys into the .env file in the virtual environment. They are never burned directly into your source code text.
• Project scoping: Credentials are scoped to your specific Iterel project.

When to use them

If you ask the Engineer to "Wire up a Stripe checkout session", the agent will build the code assuming process.env.STRIPE_SECRET_KEY exists. If you notice your live preview failing to hit the API, check your Credentials Panel to ensure you've saved the valid keys for the environment.