# Quick Fix: Database Password Error

## The Error

```
SecretValidationError: Secret 'DB_PASSWORD' is required but not provided
```

## Quick Solution

### Step 1: Create .env File

```bash
cd /home/intlc/projects/Sankofa/api

# Option A: Use the helper script
pnpm create-env

# Option B: Copy manually
cp .env.example .env
```

### Step 2: Edit .env and Set Password

Open `.env` and set your database password:

```env
DB_PASSWORD=your_secure_password_here
```

**For Development** (minimum requirements):
- At least 8 characters
- Not in insecure list (password, admin, etc.)

**Example**: `dev_sankofa_2024`

**For Production** (strict requirements):
- At least 32 characters
- Must have: uppercase, lowercase, numbers, special characters

**Example**: `MySecureP@ssw0rd123!WithSpecialChars`

### Step 3: Set Development Mode (Recommended for Local)

Add to `.env`:
```env
NODE_ENV=development
```

This relaxes password requirements to minimum 8 characters.

### Step 4: Run Setup Again

```bash
./scripts/setup-sovereign-stack.sh
```

## Still Having Issues?

See [TROUBLESHOOTING.md](./TROUBLESHOOTING.md) for more detailed solutions.
