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

# Context & Secrets

> Provide per-repository variables, secrets, and seed data so Ito can run more accurate and realistic tests.

Context & Secrets lets you give Ito the information it needs to test your application the way a real user would. Without context, Ito can only test publicly accessible flows. With context, it can log in, navigate authenticated pages, and interact with features that depend on specific data or credentials.

All context is scoped to a single repository. Go to **Settings → Context & Secrets** and select a repository to manage its context.

## Types of context

### Variables

Variables are plain-text key-value pairs that Ito injects into the test environment at runtime. Use them for non-sensitive configuration like base URLs, feature flags, or locale settings.

### Secrets

Secrets work the same way as variables but are encrypted at rest and never exposed in logs or the UI. Use them for credentials, API tokens, and any value that should not be visible in plaintext.

### Seed data

Seed data is test-specific data that exists outside your codebase — for example, a test user account, a sample order, or a known database state that Ito should operate against. Providing seed data helps Ito run tests that reflect real usage patterns.

<Note>
  For step-by-step instructions on adding variables, secrets, and seed data — including examples of how each type is used during a test run — see the full guide.
</Note>

<Card title="Secrets & variables guide" icon="lock" href="/guides/secrets-and-variables">
  Learn how to add and manage context for your repositories, with examples of when to use each type.
</Card>

## Access context settings

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Settings">
    In the Ito dashboard, click **Settings** in the sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Go to Context & Secrets">
    Select **Context & Secrets** from the settings navigation.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select a repository">
    Use the repository selector at the top of the page to choose which repository you want to configure.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add or edit entries">
    Use the **Variables**, **Secrets**, and **Seed data** sections to add, edit, or delete entries for that repository.
  </Step>
</Steps>