ENV_VARIABLES.md

Environment Variables Setup

This project requires the following environment variables to be set:

Required Variables

GROQ_API_KEY

• Description: API key for Groq AI service
• Get it from: https://console.groq.com/keys
• Example: gsk_xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Optional Variables

GOOGLE_API_KEY

• Description: Google Custom Search API key (for enhanced fact-checking)
• Get it from: https://developers.google.com/custom-search/v1/introduction
• Example: AIzaSyxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

GOOGLE_CSE_ID

• Description: Google Custom Search Engine ID
• Get it from: https://programmablesearchengine.google.com/
• Example: 11cbd49459703xxxx

PORT

• Description: Server port (default: 5000)
• Default: 5000

Setup Instructions

Local Development

1. Copy .env.example to .env:

   cp .env.example .env
   

2. Edit .env and add your actual API keys:

   GROQ_API_KEY=your_actual_groq_key_here
   GOOGLE_API_KEY=your_actual_google_key_here
   GOOGLE_CSE_ID=your_actual_cse_id_here
   PORT=5000
   

3. The server will automatically load these from the .env file

Production Deployment (Render.com)

Add environment variables in the Render dashboard:

1. Go to your service settings
2. Click "Environment" tab
3. Add each variable:
   • GROQ_API_KEY = your key
   • GOOGLE_API_KEY = your key (optional)
   • GOOGLE_CSE_ID = your ID (optional)
   • PORT = 5000

Security Notes

⚠️ NEVER commit .env files or hardcode API keys in your code!

• .env is in .gitignore and will not be committed
• Use environment variables for all sensitive data
• Rotate API keys if they are accidentally exposed