Toggle is a simple user-interface element that allows users to easily update preferences, settings, and other types of information. It is often used as an alternative to a dropdown menu to provide quick access to the same options, and is effective when it’s clearly identified which setting, view, or content it controls. Toggle switches should use simple, clear labels and standard visual design, so they can be easily understood by any user. They should also be designed to have a clear and immediate effect, so the user can easily tell when they have activated the toggle switch.

Toggles are commonly found in everyday technology, such as smartphones, laptops, and software applications. They are used to enable or disable features, modes, or display options. They can be activated by clicking or dragging the button to the desired position, and the toggle’s state will be changed. Toggles are a popular way to allow for A/B testing, and their centralized configuration and ease of deployment make them a valuable tool for continuous development.

In programming, a toggle is a boolean variable that is configured with either an on or off state. The toggle variable is checked on every event or action, and the result of this check determines whether an operation will take place. Toggles are usually used to change the state of an object or a section of code, but they can be utilized for many different purposes.

There are several different ways to manage a toggle’s configuration, from using static files to hardcode the switch to making use of the preprocessor’s #ifdef feature. The choice of method depends on the complexity and size of a program, as well as the amount of customization that is needed for managing toggles. Some of the most common approaches are listed below.

While toggles can be incredibly powerful, it is important to avoid putting large swathes of the code under the control of toggles. It can cause confusion for users and can be difficult to debug if the toggles are not managed effectively.

When designing toggles, it’s important to consider color as a signifier of state. Designers should choose colors that are high-contrast and evaluate the societal and cultural implications for their audience. For example, choosing red to represent an “on” state can be counterintuitive for users who associate the color with stop signs or traffic signals. It’s also best to avoid utilizing icons as signifiers of state, as they are not accessible for screen readers and can be confusing for users who have color vision deficiency.

Toggles are a useful tool for continuous development, as they can be used to roll out or roll back features during the process. This can help reduce the risk of a feature flop or help stabilize an application during high latency periods. Toggles can also be used to validate new functionality with a subset of users before rolling out to the entire audience. This is called feature experimentation and is an important step in the Continuous Delivery process.