Feature Flag

MethodologyTerm

A feature flag (or feature toggle) is a mechanism for enabling or disabling a feature in a piece of software via runtime configuration, without deploying new code.

A feature flag (or feature toggle) is a mechanism for enabling or disabling a feature in a piece of software via runtime configuration, without deploying new code.

Feature flags are used to: run progressive rollouts (canary release, rollout by cohort), run A/B tests, separate deployment from release, kill a buggy feature quickly (kill switch) or manage paid access.

Reference platforms include LaunchDarkly, GrowthBook, Statsig, Unleash and Flagsmith. It is an essential tool of continuous delivery (CI/CD) and trunk-based development.

Related terms

ORM
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ATS
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A/B Testing
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Data Contract
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Data Mesh
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Related terms

ORM

Trunk-Based Development

ATS

A/B Testing

Data Contract

Data Mesh

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