Current Task

INIT-005 — Config Loader + env() Helper

Mandatory References (read before writing any code):

- AI.md (Sections 21–27 — operational rules)
- WORKFLOW.md (Steps 8A and 8B)
- PROJECT.md
- IMPLEMENTATION_ROADMAP.md
- Sprint 0 Execution Plan
- MIB — locate INIT-005 and read "Files Expected"
- PRD (if applicable)
- DBP
- TCS

Review the implementation of:

- INIT-001
- INIT-002

before making any changes.

Requirements

Implement ONLY Task INIT-005.

Do NOT implement any part of INIT-003 or later tasks.

The implementation must provide:

- Config Loader
- env() helper
- Loading values from .env
- Environment variable parsing
- Default value support
- Configuration caching readiness (structure only, no cache implementation)
- Safe handling of missing environment variables

Rules

- Use Native PHP 7.4 only.
- Follow the approved architecture.
- Keep the implementation framework-agnostic.
- Do NOT create Router.
- Do NOT create Bootstrap.
- Do NOT create Controllers.
- Do NOT create Models.
- Do NOT create Services.
- Do NOT create Middleware.
- Do NOT connect to the database.
- Do NOT create functionality outside INIT-005.

Create ONLY the files listed in MIB under INIT-005 "Files Expected".

Do NOT execute git commands.

Prepare a commit message suggestion only.

Do NOT run terminal commands that modify the project without stating them first.

If you determine an additional file is required that is NOT listed in the MIB:

STOP.

Explain why.

Reference the documentation.

Wait for approval.

If you encounter a design decision not covered by documentation:

STOP.

Explain the conflict.

Wait for approval.

After implementation provide:

1. Implementation Summary
2. Files Created (confirm each matches MIB)
3. Files Modified
4. Acceptance Criteria Verification
5. Definition of Done Checklist
6. Proposed Git Commit Message (do NOT execute)
7. Any deviations from documentation

Do not continue to INIT-003.

Wait for approval.