Why am I getting 'ENV' is not recognized error when running tests in my Node.js project?

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The Root of the Problem

Environment Variables

Common Scenario: Unix vs. Windows

Most guides and boilerplates demonstrate how to set environment variables using Unix-based syntax. For example:

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This command works perfectly in Unix-like systems such as macOS and Linux. However, if you're running this on a Windows machine, you'll encounter the 'ENV' is not recognized as an internal or external command error. This happens because the syntax for setting environment variables is different in Windows.

How to Resolve the Error

Unix (macOS/Linux)

If you’re on a Unix system, the usual way to set an environment variable is:

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Windows

On a Windows machine, you’ll need to use the set command. Here's how you can do it:

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Cross-Platform Solution

For a more universal solution that works across both Unix and Windows, you can use the cross-env package. This package abstracts away the platform-specific differences and allows you to set environment variables easily.

First, install cross-env:

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Then, modify your command to use cross-env:

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Now, running npm run test will work seamlessly across different operating systems.

Conclusion

Environment-specific errors can be a headache, but understanding how to manage environment variables across different OSs can simplify the process. By using cross-env, you can create a more flexible and robust setup that reduces OS-specific problems, allowing you to focus more on writing and running your tests.