Feature Flags: Releasing Safely to Some Users First
A feature flag is a switch in the software that turns a feature on or off without releasing new code. It lets us ship a feature quietly, then enable it for a chosen group before everyone.
This separates deploying code from launching a feature, which makes releases far safer and gives you real control over how new things reach your customers.
What Flags Let You Do
- Show a new feature to your team first for sign-off.
- Roll out gradually — 5%, then 50%, then everyone.
- Turn a misbehaving feature off instantly, no redeploy.
- Run A/B tests to see what works best.
Why It Reduces Risk
If a new feature causes trouble, flipping the flag off takes seconds and needs no emergency deployment. Problems are contained to a small audience and resolved calmly.
Keeping Flags Tidy
Flags are powerful but should not pile up forever. Once a feature is fully launched and proven, we remove its flag so the code stays clean and easy to follow. We keep a clear record of which flags are live, who they affect and when they are due to be retired, so the system never becomes a tangle of forgotten switches.
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.