> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.paradime.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Environment Variables in Commands

> Reference environment variables inside Bolt schedule commands so dbt™ runs pick up secrets, connection settings, and per-environment values at runtime.

Paradime Bolt allows you to use environment variables in your scheduled commands, injecting them dynamically at runtime. This feature helps you manage configurations and sensitive information securely in your dbt™ projects.

### How it works

When you include environment variable placeholders (e.g., `$ENV_VAR`) in your [schedule command](/products/bolt/creating-schedules/command-settings/index), Bolt automatically replaces them with their current values during execution.

#### Usage Example

```bash theme={"system"}
# Correct usage with proper spacing
dbt run --select $ENV_VAR
```

<Warning>
  **Proper Spacing Required**

  Environment variables must be properly spaced in your commands:

  * ✅ `dbt run --select $ENV_VAR` (correct)
  * ❌ `dbt run --select$ENV_VAR` (incorrect)
</Warning>

### Setting up variables

To reference a variable in a command, first define it:

1. From any page in Paradime, click **Settings**.
2. Navigate to **Workspaces > Environment Variables**.
3. In the Bolt Schedules section, click **Add New**.

<Info>
  See [Bolt Schedules Environment Variables](/products/settings/environment-variables/bolt-schedule-env-variables) for defining variables, and [Environment Variable Overrides](/products/bolt/creating-schedules/schedules-environment-variables) to set a different value for a specific schedule.
</Info>


## Related topics

- [Environment Variables](/products/settings/environment-variables/index.md)
- [Code IDE Environment Variables](/products/settings/environment-variables/code-ide-env-variables.md)
- [Bolt Schedules Environment Variables](/products/settings/environment-variables/bolt-schedule-env-variables.md)
- [Variables and Parameters](/guides/dbt-fundamentals/configuring-your-dbt-project/variables-and-parameters.md)
- [DinoAI Background Agent Environment Variables](/products/settings/environment-variables/dinoai-background-agent-environment-variables.md)