Feature flags, also known as toggles, are loved by thousands of software developers because it allows you to enable or disable a code without updating or deploying the source code.
Alternatively this feature is also known and quite popular as the Feature Toggles, Feature Flippers, and Release Toggles. The purpose is same, which portion of code should be executed at runtime.
There are many practical reasons to use it and in this article, we will cover some of feature flags best practices and will also analyze the benefits of a professional feature flags management system and its most important properties.
So are you ready to learn more about the feature flags? If yes, keep reading and unleash feature flags magic box, check its benefits and exclusive features with real world case studies below:
The Benefits of Feature Toggles
A pro feature flag system example is available on https://www.getunleash.io/ – it is an open source feature management solution and has a lot to offer to the developers while deploying code.
The unlimited control, however, seems to be the greatest benefit of a feature deployment software. Every digital development company knows how problematic product changes can be. When an app is operational among end-users, new feature releases sometimes cause more issues than improvements. That’s why developers need to be cautious.
With a reliable feature flag solution, software engineers have absolute power over the deployment of multiple changes. They can schedule them perfectly and turn on/off particular options whenever that’s necessary. This way, every new feature falls into place exactly when it should. The same principle applies when an app element has to be disabled instantly. Thus, companies can prevent a simultaneous crash of many features at once. All the problems, if they occur, can be handled one by one. No panic. No massive app failure.
And what about feature testing?
By controlling the deployment, developers can arrange tests among just a bunch of real-deal users outside a test environment. Those users are the only people who have access to particular app features. They can see what’s what, test its functionality and produce complaints. That provides the engineers with an opportunity to avoid a full deployment of a faulty feature.
Top Feature Flag Management Systems
Today, there are dozens of feature deployment solutions available. We will not talk about free products. They have limited functionality and could be risky. It’s a much better idea to take a more professional approach. Let’s analyze some details in order to see it more clearly.
Feature flag automation is something extremely useful. The implementation of AI is a part of all serious products. It eases the work and makes things go more fluently, which is a blessing in more complicated projects. Such projects are also prone to leaks. Digital security is something that limited programs often lack. Pro feature flag management, on the other hand, puts a lot of attention on keeping client sensitive data safe.
Rollout targeting is another big plus. As we have already mentioned, feature access control is important for testing purposes. A good quality feature toggle platform allows scheduling rollouts according to strategic requirements of any given project. A development team can create groups of users – targets – and activate features gradually.
Sounds neat, doesn’t it?
You know what else is neat? Stickiness. That’s an interesting thing indeed. Feature flag stickiness is an enhanced version of normal deployment. It simply grants an engineer more control over what particular users actually get. A system with elastic stickiness ability can be found here: https://www.getunleash.io/.
The above makes only a fistful of pluses a pro feature flag solution has. Nonetheless, it seems clear that without it, any given software development process would have been a much tougher nut to crack. But the biggest benefactors of feature flagging are the end-users. They simply receive less faulty products. And that, you must agree, is the best thing about feature toggle platforms in general.
Final Words
Examining real-world case studies provides valuable insights into the successful implementation of feature management systems and feature flags. Companies like Spotify, Airbnb, Android, Azure, React, AWS, GitHub, GitLab, and Etsy have leveraged these tools to enhance their software development processes and improve the overall user experience.
Lessons learned from these case studies highlight the importance of proper planning, collaboration, and continuous experimentation in achieving successful feature releases without any error.
The future of feature management may involve closer integration with modern development practices such as DevOps and continuous delivery. Additionally, advancements in machine learning and AI may contribute to intelligent feature flagging mechanisms that automate decision-making based on user behavior and feedback.
That’s all about what are feature flags and about the best practices. For more exclusive updates, keep visiting gadgetsloud.com and don’t forget to share this super cool article with others on social media.
