Validate access API environment configuration at startup

[Lakes41]

Summary

Add strict environment configuration validation so the access API fails fast when required runtime settings are missing or malformed.

Current Behaviour

The API reads environment variables such as database settings, port values, Redis settings, chain configuration, and contract addresses across the application. Invalid or missing values can surface later as unclear runtime errors.

Expected Behaviour

Startup should validate all required configuration once, provide clear error messages, and prevent the server from booting with unsafe or incomplete settings.

Suggested Implementation

Create a central config module that parses process.env, validates required values, applies safe defaults, and exports a typed config object. Use this config throughout the API instead of reading environment variables directly.

Files or Areas Likely Affected

• apps/access-api/src/config.ts
• apps/access-api/src/index.ts
• apps/access-api/src/services/prisma.ts
• .env.example
• README.md

Acceptance Criteria

• Required environment variables are validated at startup
• Invalid URLs, ports, chain IDs, and contract addresses produce clear errors
• Application code uses a typed config object instead of direct process.env access
• .env.example documents every required and optional setting
• Tests cover valid config, missing values, and malformed values

Additional Notes

Assumption: the access API should fail closed when configuration is invalid rather than starting in a partially working state.

[Hassanmovic98]

I'll create a central config module that validates all required environment variables at startup and fails fast with clear error messages. The module will parse database settings, port values, Redis config, chain ID, and contract addresses, validate URLs and formats, apply safe defaults where appropriate, and export a typed config object for the entire API to use. I'll replace direct process.env reads throughout the application, document every setting in .env.example, and write tests for valid configs, missing values, and malformed inputs. Server won't boot with incomplete or invalid settings. I can deliver this in short time.

[retkatmun]

Hi, I'm a frontend developer with experience in HTML, CSS, Tailwind CSS, Vanilla JavaScript, and Python.

I have built and deployed responsive web applications and I'm comfortable working with Git and GitHub workflows. Based on the issue description, I believe I can complete this task effectively and follow the project's coding standards.

I'm eager to contribute to the project, improve my open-source experience, and deliver a quality solution within the expected timeframe.

Thank you for considering my application.

[grantfox-oss]

🦊 GrantFox — @retkatmun has been assigned to this issue as part of the Official Campaign campaign!

Next steps:

1. Open a Pull Request referencing this issue (e.g., Closes #19)
2. Your PR will be reviewed by the Adamantine-guild maintainers

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