A toggle is a user-interface component that allows users to update preferences, settings, or other types of information. When used effectively, toggle switches help users make better decisions and deliver immediate results. In the context of software development, toggles are often employed to enable or disable features for a period of time in order to test or improve them before they are deployed to all users. While there are many ways to implement toggles, the most effective approaches prioritize direct labels and standard visual design while delivering the maximum amount of flexibility for users.
Toggles are commonly found in a variety of everyday technology devices and software applications. They are frequently used to enable or disable features, switch between different display modes, or control other aspects of an application’s functionality. Toggles are also known as toggle flags or feature flags and can be applied to both existing and new features in an application’s codebase.
When creating a new toggle, developers must be careful to ensure that the toggle is configured properly in order to achieve desired outcomes. Toggle configuration can be achieved through a number of methods, ranging from simple commenting to more advanced, dynamic approaches such as using a service such as Kameleoon’s unified platform. These tools allow teams to create and manage their toggles in a single, centralized place.
Once a toggle has been configured it is then deployed to the production environment in order to activate its state. Toggle deployment should always be accompanied by manual testing to evaluate the effect of the toggle’s new state. It is wise to test a set of toggles that represent the expected production toggle configuration plus any additional toggles that are going to be released with their state flipped On. In addition to testing the intended toggle configuration, it’s often a good idea to test a fallback configuration with all toggles flipped Off in order to catch any regression bugs that may occur.
Toggle configurations can also be changed in a live production environment through the use of an external configuration system such as Kameleoon’s. Regardless of the method of configuration, it is critical to regularly audit and remove toggles that are no longer necessary in order to avoid technical debt. In order to maintain the flexibility of a toggle, it is recommended to limit its lifespan to no more than a few weeks at a time.
Toggles are a powerful tool that can be used to quickly release new features into your product without the need for a full code deployment. However, they can be dangerous if not used properly, so it’s important to understand their limitations and the best practices for managing them. By avoiding common mistakes, and following the advice in this guide, you can maximize the benefits of your toggles. Thanks for reading!
