Best Practices for Feature Flagging

Consistent feature flagging is an important part of the overall development cycle, which is why teams need to be in sync when publishing live code. Feature flagging allows you to have greater flexibility throughout the process, aiding in the streamlined release of new features within the application. The workflow of product project management is enhanced with the introduction of a robust feature flagging solution.

The architecture of the program isn’t interrupted, while developers have complete access to the process that govern the system. The development of the code is also enhanced when coders have access to all the information necessary. That’s why it’s critical to follow best practices for feature flagging, especially when dealing with large code-driven projects with multiple members.

Opting for the right flagging solution

The right flagging solution has critical features designed within its dashboard. A comprehensive suite of tracking and monitoring features need to be a core part of the offering leveraged. You should be able to monitor every release, with the help of a comprehensive tool. Flagging solutions should also allow for consistency in code production and release as well.

Tools leveraging automation are also market leaders long-term, as they allow for monitored tracking, testing and analysis. The right tool allows you to detect issues instantly, which enables faster resolution of critical problems. Additionally, a comprehensive set of solutions can find insights at scale depending on the types of code libraries you’re working with.

Leveraging the right flagging convention

Using the right flag conventions is key, so that there is process-oriented standardization within the project. By doing this, companies are able to leverage larger teams that may work on a singular format of flagging and naming.

Flags should also always be accompanied by some form of timestamping, so that they can be tracked within a larger feature flagging software. This is critical, as there are multiple solutions in the marketplace that have a standardized flag-based protocol.

Flags need to have metadata attached to them to provide additional information to all developers. Members of the team need to have a clearer understanding of what the flag encompasses, along with what other projects it may affect. The duration of the toggle should also be mentioned.

Removing flags at the right time

If a feature has been flagged multiple times within a certain project base, it’s important to have it removed from the project on time. This is so that there is no overlap when introducing new features within a project, and no two flags are being used at the same time.

Flags can also be transferred from one department to another, while removing them from the chain of command within one center. This helps in clearing out any features that aren’t desired or reworking the ones that have been approved by marketing/user-experience teams.

Automation in feature flagging

Automation is helpful in managing different flags simultaneously. Automation can enable enterprises to become more agile in their approach, while focusing on different features at the same time. Feature flagging can be automatically engaged with, while assigning certain conditions on each flag. This helps in iterative development and releasing batches of code based on key parameters.

Automation is an important way to manage the myriad of flags that may be present within your code base. You can emphasize on certain flags to be prioritized, while others may be automatically stamped after seven days.

They may also be automatically transferred to be deleted if no activity has been found to have taken place. This is a great way to ensure that you’re ahead of schedule, and you’re able to manage all features that will be released within the next few weeks.