Deployment Delays? Consider Feature Toggles
Feature toggles, also known as feature flags, allow you to control code execution by wrapping new features in a toggle, so you can switch them on or off without redeploying. It's a clever way to manage features that are close to being ready but not quite there yet.
Continuous delivery requires rapid iteration, frequent releases, and maintaining stability in production. Feature toggles let you merge incomplete features into the main branch without exposing them to end-users. This means you can deploy to production anytime, even on a Friday, without fear. Your half-baked feature is toggled off, allowing you to gather feedback from a select user base or run A/B tests and make adjustments on the fly.
Types of Feature Toggles
There are three main types of feature toggles:
Release Toggles: Manage feature releases and gradually roll out new features to users, reducing the risk of deployment issues.
Experiment Toggles: Ideal for A/B testing. Show different versions of a feature to different user segments to measure and optimise.
Ops Toggles: Provide operational control. If something goes wrong, you can flip the toggle to disable the feature immediately.
Pitfalls of Feature Toggles
Feature toggles can become technical debt if not managed properly. You need a plan for their lifecycle. For instance, a toggle for a feature that’s been live for six months should be removed. Regular clean-up is essential to avoid a cluttered codebase.
Another pitfall is overuse — not every tweak needs a toggle. Sometimes, the traditional method of branching, merging, and deploying works fine. Use toggles judiciously as they are a means to an end, not the end itself.
Continuous Delivery's Secret Weapon
Feature toggles require a shift in mindset. They demand a culture of continuous testing and monitoring. QA teams validate toggle states, and Ops teams manage toggle states. It’s a shared responsibility.
With feature toggles, collaboration is enhanced. Development and operations work together closely. Features are tested in production-like environments, and real users provide real feedback, breaking down silos and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
Final Thoughts
Feature toggles are game-changers. They provide flexibility, enhance collaboration, and reduce the risk associated with continuous delivery. However, like any powerful tool, they require discipline and a clear strategy. Embrace them wisely.
Next time you're faced with shipping incomplete features or missing a deadline, remember the humble feature toggle. It might just be the solution you need.
