Rails Feature Flag
(Everything You Need To Know)

Rails feature flags can provide you with the following benefits:

• Rollout new features to user segments

• A/B test web application experiences

• Isolate coding bugs from the main application

• Ensure web apps are always in a releasable state

• Bake flexibility into developer workflows

To create dynamic applications using Rails, developers must have the ability to continuously refine and optimize their code. When you are using Ruby on Rails to build web applications and services, you are often working at a rapid pace. To keep pushing forward and rolling out brand new features for your web applications, you need the right support systems in place.

Feature flags let you launch new features and change your software configuration without (re)deploying code. Rails feature flags provide developers with a much-needed safety net. Rails feature flagging tools ensure your web applications and services are always in a releasable state. If you are experimenting with new features and trying to develop new functionalities for users, feature flagging allows you to isolate new features away from the main web application.

In our short guide on Rails feature flagging, we will cover everything you need to know about Rails feature flags and how developers can leverage these for smooth app deployments. When developers learn about the potential benefits of Rail feature flags, they are immediately hooked. Teams understand how much of an impact feature flagging can have on their deployments.

If you are struggling to deliver smooth app deployments, you should consider isolating new and experimental features using Rails feature flags. With the right feature flagging solution in your corner, you can deploy ambitious features without worrying about putting the overall user experience at risk. In other words, feature flagging is perfect for risk mitigation.

Rails Feature Flags (How Do They Work?)

Utilizing a Rails feature flag, developers can remotely control the functionality of their web applications and services. The best bit? Developers do not have to deploy any code to achieve this. Feature flagging enables developers to enable and disable individual features at the tap of a button. This is also useful for teams looking to deliver varied and custom user experiences. With a Rails feature flagging tool at your disposal, you can manage rollouts with confidence and maintain complete control over your application. Feature flagging tools provide developers with tremendous flexibility. If you are testing out a new feature, you can isolate this feature away from the core application and roll it out to a specific user segment, such as premium users.

Rails Feature Flag Development (Why Does It Matter?)

If you are concerned about the releasability of your Ruby on Rails application, you can use feature flags to separate code from the live rollout. For example, if you discover a bug in an unfinished feature, you can simply disable the feature at a click of a button and isolate it away from the main application. You can achieve this without rolling the entire application back.

Those using Ruby on Rails will immediately recognize the potential of a feature flagging tool. With the ability to enable and disable isolated features instantaneously, developers can make bold moves and push web applications and services further. If you are worried about ruining user experiences with a half-finished feature, feature flagging will take this anxiety away.

Rails feature flags support the completion of safe deployments. You can separately deploy code in a live environment without creating any confusion or complications. With the right feature flag tool at your side, the whole process is truly seamless. Even though many developers assume feature flags are only used at the pre-release testing stage for applications, this is not the case.

Teams are using feature flags at every stage of development. They allow developers to dictate which features users can view in a live environment - without causing any downtime. In other words, if you need to disable access to a specific feature, you do not need to roll back the entire application. Using feature flags, you can simply isolate the feature and take it offline.

Feature Flag Deployment For Rails Apps (Use Cases)

There is no shortage of use cases for feature flags. Ruby developers can utilize feature flags in many different ways to support and enhance user experiences. To get your creative juices flowing, here are some potential feature flag use cases for Ruby developers to consider.

Rollout new features to user segments

Using feature flags, you can roll out new features to your user base by targeting user segments. Rather than rolling out new features to the entire user base as part of the main application, you can separate the code using a feature flag and target specific user segments. For instance, you could give premium users access to new features and assess their reactions.

A/B testing web application experiences

With feature flags, you can see how different user segments react to different experiences. A feature flag deployment tool will enable you to run A/B testing initiatives to see how users are responding to different features. To provide your users with varied experiences inside your web application, you can leverage a feature flagging tool to support your A/B testing initiatives.

Isolate coding bugs from the main application

When you are pushing boundaries and developing new features for web applications, coding bugs and errors are going to crop up. It's the nature of the beast. To prevent issues with new features causing widespread disruption and downtime, you can use feature flags to isolate the problems and take individual features offline for maintenance without affecting the entire app.

Why use a feature flag as a service solution?

Rather than tasking your in-house developers to build a feature flag infrastructure, you can utilize a feature flag management service like ConfigCat. This platform can make feature flagging seamless. Using the platform’s flag management tools, you can take a centralized approach to feature flagging and begin testing new features for your Rails application.

How can you maintain multiple Rails feature flags?

When you no longer need to use feature flags, you should get rid of them. This can help de-clutter your codebase and make it easier for you to navigate through code. Fortunately, an effective feature flag management solution enables you to juggle multiple feature flags without creating a convoluted codebase.

Feature Flag Testing For Rails Apps (Best Tool For 2023)

When selecting a Rails feature flag management tool, you should look for the following:

• A developer-centric solution

• The ability to target user segments

• Open source SDKs for easy integration

ConfigCat ticks all of these boxes and many more.

With the right solution in your corner, you can easily create and deploy Rails feature flags. If you have been searching high and low for a way to isolate features from the rest of your application, ConfigCat is the answer to your prayers. Even non-technical team members can quickly get to grips with ConfigCat and begin unlocking value in no time at all. Are you ready to get started?

ConfigCat is a feature flag service with unlimited seats, awesome support, and a reasonable price tag that takes 10 mins to learn.