---
title: Configuration Options
description: Using environment variable to configure a self-hosted instance of Rallly.
---
## Environment variables
An environment variable is a dynamic value that can be set outside of an application and is used to configure or customize the behavior of an application.
This page lists all environment variables supported by Rallly.
### Base Configuration
These variables need to be configured for Rallly to run and function properly.
Postgres database connection string
The base url where this instance is accessible, including the scheme (eg.
`http://` or `https://`), the domain name, and optionally a port.
A random 32-character secret key used to encrypt user sessions
### Email Configuration
These variables need to be configured to let Rallly send out transactional emails.
This email is used as the sender for all transactional emails. If not set,
`SUPPORT_EMAIL` will be used instead.
This email will be shown as the contact email for support queries.
The host address of your SMTP server
The port of your SMTP server
Set to "true" if SSL is enabled for your SMTP connection
The username (if auth is enabled on your SMTP server)
The password (if auth is enabled on your SMTP server)
Enable TLS for your SMTP connection
### Custom Configuration
These variables allow you to change Rallly's default behavior.
Comma separated list of email addresses that are allowed to register and
login. Wildcard characters are supported. Example: `*@yourcompany.com`
Set to `true` to require authentication for creating new polls and accessing
admin pages
Whether or not to disable the landing page