Practical tips for working with multiple environments

1 Understand the Purpose of Each Environment

> Development is for coding and initial testing, test (or staging) is for QA and user acceptance 
> testing, and production is the live environment where end-users interact with the application. 
> Understanding the unique role of each environment will help you make decisions about what kinds of 
> changes and tests are appropriate in each one.

Use Environment-Specific Configurations

Ensure that configuration files, such as database connections, API keys, and URLs, are specific to each environment. Avoid hardcoding these values in your code. Instead, use environment variables or configuration files that vary per environment to prevent issues, like connecting to the wrong database.
Automate Deployments and Reduce Manual Steps

Manual deployments can lead to errors, especially in multiple environments. Use automation tools like GitHub Actions, Jenkins, or Docker to create repeatable and reliable deployment pipelines. Automation makes it easy to push code to different environments and reduces the chance of human error.
Use Environment-Specific Branches and Pull Requests

In projects with multiple environments, use branching strategies that align with each environment. For instance, the main branch may align with production, while dev could represent the development environment. Creating separate branches makes it easier to control what goes where and to ensure only tested and approved code reaches production.
Use Clear Naming for Environment Variables

Clearly label environment variables to avoid confusion. For example, use DATABASE_URL_DEV, DATABASE_URL_TEST, and DATABASE_URL_PROD for different environments. Clear names help prevent accidental mistakes, like using the wrong database.
Add Logging and Monitoring for All Environments

Include logging and monitoring tools (such as LogRocket, Datadog, or New Relic) across all environments to help you identify and troubleshoot issues. Development logs can help debug, while production logs provide insights into user behaviour and help detect errors or performance issues.
Avoid Testing Directly in Production

Use the test or staging environment to verify new features and fixes before deploying to production. Testing in production is risky and can lead to user-facing errors. If you must test in production, use a safe method like feature toggles or A/B testing to limit exposure.
Set Up Automated Tests for Each Environment

Ensure that automated tests run before deploying code to the next environment in the pipeline. For example, unit tests might run in development, integration tests in test/staging, and smoke tests in production. Automated tests help maintain quality and prevent bugs from progressing through environments.
Use Feature Toggles for Gradual Rollouts

Feature toggles allow you to enable or disable new features without deploying new code. This is useful for rolling out new features gradually in production, as it lets you test features with a small group before a full release. Libraries like LaunchDarkly and Unleash support feature toggles.
Back Up Databases Regularly in All Environments

Data loss can happen unexpectedly, even in non-production environments. Set up regular backups for databases, especially in test and production environments, to recover easily in case of an error or accidental data deletion.
Limit Access to Sensitive Environments

Limit access to production and sensitive data to reduce the chance of accidental or unauthorised changes. Grant team members the access they need to perform their work while keeping sensitive environments restricted to essential personnel.
Double-Check Configuration Before Deploying

Before pushing changes to a new environment, double-check configuration settings, dependencies, and environment-specific values. Verifying configurations can prevent issues such as pointing to the wrong database or API endpoint after deployment.
Use Color-Coding or Clear Labels in the UI

For applications that you interact with in multiple environments, add color-coded labels (e.g., green for development, yellow for test, red for production) to clearly distinguish which environment you’re working in. This helps avoid accidental changes in the wrong environment.