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pattern

Feature Toggle

feature-toggle

/patterns/feature-toggle/

Behavioral

Java	Difficulty-Beginner

Also known as

Feature Flag

Intent

Used to switch code execution paths based on properties or groupings. Allowing new features to be released, tested and rolled out. Allowing switching back to the older feature quickly if needed. It should be noted that this pattern, can easily introduce code complexity. There is also cause for concern that the old feature that the toggle is eventually going to phase out is never removed, causing redundant code smells and increased maintainability.

Applicability

Use the Feature Toggle pattern when

Giving different features to different users.
Rolling out a new feature incrementally.
Switching between development and production environments.

Credits

Martin Fowler 29 October 2010 (2010-10-29).