This document is part of the Appwrite contributors' guide. Before you continue reading this document make sure you have read the [Code of Conduct](https://github.com/appwrite/appwrite/blob/master/CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md) and the [Contributing Guide](https://github.com/appwrite/appwrite/blob/master/CONTRIBUTING.md).
## Getting Started
### Agenda
Adding new features may require various configurations options to be set by the users. And for such options we use environment variables in Appwrite.
This tutorial will cover, how to properly add new environment variable in Appwrite.
The environment variables in Appwrite is prefixed with `_APP_`. Then if it belongs to specific cateogry, the category name is appended as `_APP_REDIS` for redis category. Finally the properly describing name is given to the variable as `_APP_REDIS_HOST` for redis host.
First of all we add the new environment variable to `app/config/variables.php` under specific category. If none of the categories fit, add it in general category. Copy the existing variables description to create new one so that you will not miss any required fields.
Add the new environment variables to the `docker-compose.yml` and `app/views/install/compose.phtml` for each docker services that require access to those environment variables.
With these steps, your environment variable is properly added and can be accessed inside Appwrite code or any other containers where it is passed. You can access and use those variables to implement the features you are trying to implement.
