Feature Flags: Safer Releases and Trunk-Based Development

Deploy != Release

Code is deployed to the store, but the feature is "off" via a flag. You release it by flipping a switch in the dashboard, not by uploading a binary.

If a new feature crashes the app, turn it off instantly. No emergency hotfix release needed. This reduces release anxiety.

Developers merge to main daily behind flags. No long-lived "feature branches" that cause merge hell weeks later.

Enable the flag for 1% of users (or internal team only). Verification in production with minimal blast radius.

Flags are tech debt. Once a feature is 100% live and stable, DELETE the flag code. otherwise, code becomes a graveyard of if/else statements.

Abstract flags behind a provider interface (FeatureManager.isNewHomeEnabled()). Don't hardcode config SDK calls everywhere.

LaunchDarkly (Enterprise), Firebase Remote Config (Free/Simple), Flagsmith (Open Source). Choose based on scale.