In technology, the word toggle describes a feature or function that allows users to switch between two states or options. Toggle switches are used in software applications, programming, and communications to enable users to turn a setting on or off to change its state.
Using toggles is common for responsive design to allow users to choose which components of an app are visible at any given time. They are also often used to provide different layouts or display options based on user devices and screen size. Toggle switches should be designed with clear labels, standard visual design, and be consistent throughout the application. They should also utilize visual cues to avoid ambiguity, including color changes and movement to indicate their state. They should also be clearly accessible to users with disabilities, including those who use screen readers.
Providing users with a simple way to select between two options is one of the most important functions that toggles can perform. In order to do this effectively, they need to be labeled clearly, be easy to read and interpret, and deliver an immediate result.
Toggle switches can be used to update preferences, settings, and other types of data on a website or application. They can also be utilized to test new features without affecting existing data. However, it is important to remember that not all toggles are created equal. As a result, it is important to understand the difference between different kinds of toggles and the appropriate contexts for each.
When it comes to testing toggle configuration, it’s best to test both the current production toggle configuration and any toggles that you plan to release flipped On. This helps ensure that no regressions are introduced when the toggle is flipped On. Additionally, it’s wise to test the fallback configuration which is the expected default behavior when a toggle is flipped Off.
Many teams choose to store their toggle configuration in static files or an existing application config database. This allows them to change toggle configuration easily in the future. However, these approaches can become cumbersome as the number of toggles grows. They can also introduce performance impacts if they are accessed frequently and can be difficult to manage as the code base evolves.
It’s best to decide whether to create a toggle for bugfixes on a case-by-case basis. Sometimes a toggle may be necessary to prevent the fix from accidentally worsening the bug. However, creating a toggle can also add complexity to the fix and slow down its delivery.
For this reason, many teams prefer to use an external feature flag service instead of managing their own centralized toggle configuration. These services support canary releases and allow teams to control the visibility of their toggles by geographical region or even user attributes. These services can help them improve their speed to market and ensure that features are properly tested in production. They can also ensure that bugs don’t get pushed into the live product and cause unexpected problems.
