Toggle is a simple user interface component that enables users to update their preferences, settings and other types of information. When used properly, toggles can be very helpful for users and have a positive impact on user experience. However, it is important to use toggles sparingly and with caution — if not used carefully, they can create cognitive problems for users. When using toggles, it is important to provide direct labels and standard visual design to avoid confusion.
Toggles can be found in everyday technology such as smartphones that enable or disable WiFi or Bluetooth(r) and in software applications that switch between different display modes and features. They are also used to perform multivariate testing and A/B testing by directing a cohort of users down one codepath or another.
Because of the fiddly nature of managing toggle configuration through static files and ensuring consistency across a fleet of servers, many organizations opt to build out a centralized toggle configuration system. This may be as simple as a dedicated database or as complex as an existing application DB that is supplemented by some type of admin UI to make it easy for product managers, testers and system operators to manage feature flags and their configuration. To avoid regressions it is often wise to test feature toggle configurations with all toggles flipped Off. This can be accomplished via automated tests and the use of a feature flag system that supports runtime configuration of individual toggles.
