Add an .env.example and document the API base and theme storage key

[mikewheeleer]

Document environment configuration with an .env.example

Description

The app reads NEXT_PUBLIC_STABLEROUTE_API_BASE in src/lib/apiClient.ts and src/app/quote/page.tsx and persists a stableroute.theme localStorage key in src/lib/theme.ts, but there is no .env.example and the README.md "Setup" section never mentions the API base — a fresh contributor has no idea the dashboard needs a backend URL. This issue documents the configuration surface.

Requirements and context

• Repository scope: StableRoute-Org/Stableroute-frontend only.
• Add an .env.example documenting NEXT_PUBLIC_STABLEROUTE_API_BASE with a safe placeholder and a comment that it must be a full absolute URL (https in production).
• Add an "Environment" section to README.md explaining the variable, its localhost default, and how to point the dashboard at a backend.
• Document the stableroute.theme localStorage key (allowed values: light/dark/system) so contributors understand client persistence.
• Do not commit any real secret or production URL; placeholders only.

Suggested execution

• Fork the repo and create a branch
• git checkout -b docs/config-24-env-example
• Implement changes
  • Write code in: n/a (docs/config) — add .env.example.
  • Write comprehensive tests in: n/a — verify npm run build still succeeds and the variable name matches the code.
  • Add documentation: add the Environment section to README.md.
  • Ensure the documented variable name exactly matches process.env.NEXT_PUBLIC_STABLEROUTE_API_BASE.
  • Validate Markdown renders and no real values are committed.
• Test and commit

Test and commit

• Run npm run lint and npm run build.
• Cover edge cases: variable name matches code, default documented, and no secrets committed.
• Include a rendered preview note in the PR description.

Example commit message

docs: add .env.example and document API base and theme key

Guidelines

• Minimum 95 percent test coverage for impacted modules.
• Clear, reviewer-focused documentation.
• Timeframe: 96 hours.

Community & contribution rewards

• 💬 Join the StableRoute community on Discord for questions, reviews, and faster merges: https://discord.gg/37aCpusvx
• ⭐ This is a GrantFox OSS / Official Campaign task and may be rewarded. When your PR is merged you'll be prompted to rate the project — if this issue and the maintainers helped you ship, we'd be grateful for a 5-star rating. Clear questions in Discord and tidy, well-tested PRs are the fastest path to a merge and a reward.

[Philip-D21]

Please kindly assign this issue to me. thank you.

[shinzoxD]

Hi maintainers, picking up this GrantFox bounty.

Plan: implement the requested scope on a fork branch with sync-tests, then open a PR referencing this issue.

Payout wallet (Stellar): GBVHELLD2JE235Y2NGTDT3MWI3T65ON6SY4N6FBHYVDAQ5FZC2CP5QXH
GrantFox OSS campaign — smart escrow payout on merge.

— shinzoxD