When converting hardcoded values to environment variables in configuration files (like docker-compose.yml), always update corresponding example files (e.g., .env.example) with appropriate default values. This ensures that developers can use standard setup processes without additional manual configuration. Example: ```diff # In docker-compose.yml - SECRET_KEY_BASE=UpNVntn3cDxHJpq99YMc1T1AQgQpc8kfYTuRgBiYa15BLrx8etQoXz3gZv1/u2oq + SECRET_KEY_BASE=${POOLER_SECRET_KEY_BASE} # You must also update .env.example + POOLER_SECRET_KEY_BASE=UpNVntn3cDxHJpq99YMc1T1AQgQpc8kfYTuRgBiYa15BLrx8etQoXz3gZv1/u2oq ``` This maintains compatibility for new developers setting up the project and prevents broken workflows when someone runs `cp .env.example .env && docker-compose up`.