macOS
Homebrewverified · 100%
brew install varlocklocal Homebrew formula metadata
brew / rank 3606
Install varlock with Homebrew
Add declarative schema to .env files using @env-spec decorator comments. Version 1.16.0 via Homebrew; verified 2026-08-01.
install
Additional install commands
overview
Package summary
Add declarative schema to .env files using @env-spec decorator comments
Project links
Commands and aliases
- varlock
history
Project history and usage
Varlock is a young configuration and secrets tool for `.env`-based workflows. Its project tagline frames the tool around AI-safe `.env` files: schemas are safe for agents and collaborators to read, while actual secrets are resolved separately.
Project history
The project is built on `@env-spec`, a DSL that extends normal `.env` syntax with JSDoc-style decorator comments and function-call values. The initial `@env-spec` RFC was proposed on May 13, 2025 by maintainers Phil Millman and Theo Ephraim, describing the goal of richer validation, type coercion, sensitive-value handling, and dynamic loading while keeping the familiar `.env` format.
Adoption history
Varlock targets the pain point left by `.env.example`: example files are safe to commit but often drift from real runtime requirements. Varlock instead promotes a committed `.env.schema` as a single source of truth, with local or environment-specific `.env.*` files supplying values.
How it is used
Typical usage starts with `varlock init`, which scans existing `.env` files and creates a root `.env.schema`. Users then run `varlock load` to validate and inspect resolved environment variables or `varlock run -- <command>` to execute a process with resolved values. The tool also ships as a standalone binary, Docker image, editor support, and plugins for secret backends such as 1Password, AWS, Azure, Google Secret Manager, HashiCorp Vault, and others.
Why package nerds care
For package users, Varlock is notable as an attempt to standardize metadata around environment variables without forcing a new YAML, JSON, or TypeScript schema file. It is especially tuned for modern AI-assisted development, where agents need configuration context but should not be handed plaintext secrets.
Timeline
- 2025-05-13: Initial `@env-spec` RFC proposed.
- 2026: Repository documents Varlock as a CLI, Docker image, VS Code extension ecosystem, and plugin host for multiple secret backends.
Related projects
- DMNO is cited by the maintainers as the predecessor whose lessons informed Varlock.
- `@env-spec` is the underlying specification and parser family used by Varlock.
Sources
- Initial @env-spec RFC: https://github.com/dmno-dev/varlock/discussions/17
- Official @env-spec overview: https://varlock.dev/env-spec/overview/
- Official GitHub repository: https://github.com/dmno-dev/varlock
- Official installation guide: https://varlock.dev/getting-started/installation/
security posture
No protected-tool coverage found yet
No matching local secret-handling manifest was found for varlock. Nucleus package metadata is still published here so future coverage has a stable package URL.
Install behavior
- No Homebrew bottle metadata was recorded.
Recommended review
Before unattended agent use, check whether the tool reads plaintext credentials, writes remote state, publishes artifacts, or shells out to plugins.
local files
Configuration and credential file locations
These source-backed paths show where this package keeps local settings or durable credentials. Automic Vault can use them as review targets for secret scanning, migration, and command approval.
Configuration files
Config paths the tool may read or write during local use.
- Unix
.env.schema
Credential files
Credential-bearing paths to review before unattended agent runs.
- Unix
.env.local.env.*
executables
Installed executables
| Command | Kind | Exposure | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
varlock | executable | indexed executable | Discovered from the local executable index. |
freshness
Version and freshness
These signals separate page generation age, package-manager activity, and upstream release comparison. Version lag is warned only when an evidence URL and comparable versions are present.
page generated2026-08-03
manager version1.16.0
manager updated2026-08-01
local dataunknown
upstreamnot available
latest detectednot detected
- okNo freshness warnings were generated.
install metadata
Package metadata
| Package key | brew:varlock |
|---|---|
| Version | 1.16.0 |
| Package manager | Homebrew |
| Homepage | https://varlock.dev |
| Last updated | 2026-08-01T21:49:42Z |
| Pulse | updated |
| Bottle | not recorded |
| Service | none declared |
source trail
Generated from repository data
This page is generated by av-web from the private package SQLite artifact built by scripts/generate-pkg-sqlite.py.
Combined YAML source
View the package source record on GitHub.
Used sources
- Geiger risk classifier
- cross-ecosystem install command graph
- curated configuration and credential file locations
- curated package history
- pkg.so package database
- pkgdb category and tag curation