How to start Rails server with environment variables set?

Bundle the dotenv-rails gem, then create a .env file with the content:

VARIABLE=development

The gem picks up all variables from the file and sets them in your environment.

You have various options to do so:

1. Declare your variables in .bashrc file and reload it.

2. Use dotenv gem.

3. Use figaro gem.

More info @ http://www.gotealeaf.com/blog/managing-environment-configuration-variables-in-rails