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Best Practices for Storing Credentials in Test Automation Scripts
When it comes to test automation, think of credentials as your prized possessions — they need to be stored securely! Just like you wouldn’t leave your valuables out in the open, exposing sensitive information in your code can lead to serious security breaches.
In this article, we’ll dive into best practices for using environment variables to keep your credentials safe and sound. We’ll explore what to do and what to avoid, with real-life examples that illustrate the importance of these practices. Let’s ensure your testing environment is as secure as a well-locked vault!
1. Use Environment Variables to Secure Sensitive Data
Environment variables act like a locked drawer for your valuables. Just as you wouldn’t leave your jewelry lying around, you shouldn’t expose sensitive information in your code. Environment variables help keep your credentials hidden from prying eyes and separate from your application code.
Good Practice:
Store credentials as environment variables to keep them secure
export DATABASE_URL="postgres://user:password@localhost:5432/mydatabase"
export API_KEY="your_api_key_here"
