How to configure the base URL in Magento 2 env.php

The env.php file serves as the core configuration file for Magento 2. It contains essential information such as database connection details, cache settings, and including configurations related to the store’s URL” for a smoother flow.

Role and importance of env.php file

• Location: You can find the env.php file in the root directory of your Magento 2 installation, typically at <magento_root>/app/etc/env.php.
• Role: This file serves as the central configuration hub for your Magento 2 store. It houses essential settings such as database connection information, cache configurations, and store URLs.

URL Structure in the env.php file

To configure your store’s URL, you’ll need to modify the system section within the env.php file. Here’s a basic breakdown of the structure:

'system' => [
    'default' => [
        'web' => [
            'unsecure' => [
                'base_url' => 'http://your-domain.com/',
                'base_link_url' => 'http://your-domain.com/'
            ],
            'secure' => [
                'base_url' => 'https://your-domain.com/',
                'base_link_url' => 'https://your-domain.com/'
            ]
        ]
    ]
]

• base_url: This is the root URL of your store. It’s used to construct the complete paths to static assets like images, CSS stylesheets, and JavaScript files.
• base_link_url: This is the base URL used for generating internal links to other pages within your store.

Configuration steps for env.php file

• Step 1: Locate the env.php File: The env.php file is located in the app/etc directory of your Magento 2 installation.
• Step 2: Backup (Optional): Before making any changes, it is advisable to create a backup of the env.php file.
• Step 3: Modify the File: Open the env.php file with a code editor and replace your-domain.com in the configuration with your actual domain.
• Step 4: Update the Configuration: Open the terminal, navigate to your Magento directory, and run the following command:

php bin/magento app:config:import

• Step 5: Clear Cache: After making configuration changes, clear the cache to ensure the updates take effect by running:

php bin/magento cache:clean

Important Notes

• Ensure Accuracy: Make sure to replace your-domain.com with the actual domain name of your website.
• Backup: Always keep a backup of the env.php file before making any changes.
• Multi-Store Setup: If you are using a multi-store setup, you may need to configure URLs for each store individually.
• Priority of env.php Configuration: Changing URLs through the env.php file will override settings in the database. This can be useful when you want to update the URL without accessing the admin panel or using SQL.

Configuring your store’s URL through the env.php file is a streamlined approach to managing and modifying your Magento 2 store’s address without the need to directly interact with the database. This method proves invaluable during development, testing, or when swiftly transitioning between different environments.