Toggle is a switch that provides users with a simple way to select between two different outcomes. It’s found in everyday technology and software applications as an easy-to-use method for choosing between settings or modes. For example, many apps use toggle switches to enable or disable WiFi and Bluetooth (or other features). In programming, toggle is used in almost every situation where there are two options, e.g. “A or B” or “On or Off”.
When using a toggle, the labels should clearly state what will happen if the switch is activated. This should avoid any confusion. The toggles should also have clear visual cues to help users understand their location in the interface. For example, a toggle with a large font size difference performs better than a toggle that is small in comparison.
Most importantly, the toggles should be easily manipulated, both in terms of the position of the switch and the color of the toggle button. This will ensure that it is always easily discernible, even for non-experts. This will increase user satisfaction and prevent frustration.
Feature toggles are a powerful tool for teams to employ when developing software. When properly applied they can enable new functionality without modifying existing code or deploying a full product release. This supports newer agile development methodologies such as sprint-based code releases and can help reduce the amount of manual testing needed when releasing updates.
Toggles are also often used to perform multivariate or A/B testing in a software system. By configuring a Toggle Router to consistently send a cohort of users down one codepath or another, it is possible to compare the performance of those codepaths and make data-driven optimization decisions such as adjusting ecommerce checkout flow, Call to Action wording, or the underlying algorithm of an ecommerce platform.
In order to ensure the highest level of usability and accuracy, it is best to test a toggle configuration with all of its toggles flipped On before pushing it into production. This will help to minimize the number of times a toggle needs to be flipped in production, which can negatively impact the cycle time for validation and the all-important feedback loop that CI/CD provides.
Lastly, it is important to remember that toggles are transitionary by nature and should be changed in increments. For this reason, it is often best to set a release date for a toggle before starting to test it. This will help to avoid the need for any manual regression tests that would require manually re-configuring the toggle in a shared environment, which can also negatively impact the CI/CD process and feedback loop. As a general rule, it is best to keep a toggle configured in its release state for no longer than a week or two, although product-centric toggles may need to be kept in place for a longer period of time. This will also allow for the toggle to be quickly rolled back in case it isn’t working as expected.
