env-matrix-dev-stg-prod

id	SKL-env-ENVMATRIXDEVSTGPROD
name	Env Matrix Dev Stg Prod
description	Standards for managing environments (development, staging, production) including configs, data policies, and access controls that differ per environment. This skill enables environment parity, reduces
version	1.0.0
status	active
owner	@cerebra-team
last_updated	2026-02-22
category	Backend
tags	["api","backend","server","database"]
stack	["Python","Node.js","REST API","GraphQL"]
difficulty	Intermediate

Env Matrix Dev Stg Prod

Skill Profile

(Select at least one profile to enable specific modules)

• DevOps
• Backend
• Frontend
• AI-RAG
• Security Critical

Overview

Standards for managing environments (development, staging, production) including configs, data policies, and access controls that differ per environment. This skill enables environment parity, reduces "works on my machine" issues, and ensures proper safety controls and compliance.

Why This Matters

• Parity: Environments are as similar as possible, reducing "works on my machine"
• Safety: Production protected, staging for testing
• Clarity: Know what each environment can do
• Compliance: Proper access controls

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Core Concepts & Rules

1. Core Principles

• Follow established patterns and conventions
• Maintain consistency across codebase
• Document decisions and trade-offs

2. Implementation Guidelines

• Start with the simplest viable solution
• Iterate based on feedback and requirements
• Test thoroughly before deployment

Inputs / Outputs / Contracts

• Inputs:
  • Environment variable definitions (APP_ENV, environment-specific configs)
  • Access control policies and role definitions
  • Data sanitization/masking rules
  • Secret manager configuration per environment
• Entry Conditions:
  • Secret manager is configured for each environment
  • Access control policies are defined
  • Data sanitization pipeline is set up (for staging)
• Outputs:
  • Environment-specific configuration files
  • Access control matrix documentation
  • Data policy documentation
  • Deployment flow documentation
• Artifacts Required (Deliverables):