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Feature flags

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Also called Feature toggles

A software development technique that allows you to turn specific features of an application on or off dynamically without deploying new code.

What it is

Feature flags decouple code deployment from feature release. Developers can push unfinished code to production safely hidden behind a flag turned to "off." Product managers can then toggle the flag to "on" for a small beta group, measure stability, and gradually roll it out to all users—or instantly kill it if a critical bug appears.

When you would use it

You use feature flags to significantly reduce deployment risk, allowing you to merge code continuously while safely controlling exactly who gets to see the new functionality.

Common operations

  • Acting as an instant kill-switch if a new API integration causes production errors.
  • Facilitating A/B testing by exposing a new feature to only 10% of users.

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