Feature Flags for Safer Releases
A feature flag is a switch in the software that lets us turn a feature on or off without deploying new code. It separates the act of releasing code from the act of launching a feature.
This gives you enormous control over when and to whom new functionality appears.
What Flags Let Us Do
- Release code to production but keep a feature hidden.
- Switch a feature on for a small group of users first.
- Turn off a misbehaving feature instantly, without a deploy.
- Run experiments comparing two versions of a feature.
Why This Reduces Risk
If a new feature causes trouble, we simply flip the switch off — no emergency deployment required. It also lets you time a launch to a marketing date independently of when the engineering work was completed.
Flags do need discipline: each one is a small piece of complexity, so we remove them once a feature is fully live and stable. Managed well, they give you a level of control over your product that would otherwise be impossible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a feature be shown to just our staff first?
Yes. We can target a flag at specific users or groups, so your team can trial a feature internally before any customer sees it.
If you need a hand with any of this, your Progressive Robot delivery team is ready to help. Raise a ticket from the Support area of your client portal or speak to your account manager and we will guide you through the next steps.