Feature Flag Implementation Guide
Patterns for implementing feature flags using a context provider.
Feature Flag Implementation Guide
Overview
This guide outlines the implementation of a feature flag system using a React Context provider. It allows toggling features on/off based on configuration retrieved from a remote source or local defaults, potentially considering user context (like role or ID).
When To Use
Use feature flags to:
- Gradually roll out new features to specific user segments or percentages.
- Perform A/B testing by enabling features for different groups.
- Quickly disable problematic features in production without a full deployment.
- Manage different feature sets for various environments (development, staging, production).
- Control access to premium or beta features.
Implementation Patterns
1. Define Flag Types and Context
Establish the structure for flags and the context used for evaluation.
2. Feature Flag Provider
A context provider that fetches flag configurations and makes them available.
3. Feature Flag Service
Abstracts the logic for fetching flag configurations (e.g., from a backend or a service like LaunchDarkly, Firebase Remote Config).
4. Using Feature Flags in Components
Conditionally render UI or enable functionality based on flag values.
5. Integration with Application Setup
Wrap your application with the FeatureFlagProvider.
Common Challenges
- Loading State: Feature flags might not be available immediately on app start. UI components should handle a loading state or use default flag values until the provider fetches the configuration.
- Context Dependency: If flags depend on user attributes (role, ID), ensure the
FeatureFlagProvideris placed after theAuthProviderin the component tree so user data is available. - Caching: Decide on a caching strategy for flags. Fetching them on every app start might be slow. Consider caching results in
AsyncStoragewith a TTL (Time To Live) or relying on the caching mechanisms of third-party services (like LaunchDarkly). - Testing: Mocking feature flags in unit and E2E tests is crucial. Provide a way to override flag values in test environments.
- Stale Flags: If flags change remotely, the app needs a mechanism to refresh them (e.g., periodic background refresh, refresh on resume, manual refresh trigger). The
refreshFlagsfunction exposed by the hook can be used for this.
Performance Considerations
- Fetch Time: Fetching flags from a remote service adds to app startup time. Optimize the fetching process and use defaults/caching.
- Context Updates: If the
evaluationContext(especially user data) changes frequently, it could trigger unnecessary flag re-fetches. UseuseMemofor the context object as shown in the provider example. useFeatureFlagsvsuseFeatureFlag: UsinguseFeatureFlagsin many components can cause them all to re-render if any flag changes. Prefer using the specificuseFeatureFlaghook in components, as it typically only re-renders if the specific flag it consumes changes (depending on context implementation).
Examples
A/B Testing Example
Gradual Rollout by User ID
Disabling a Feature Quickly
Simply toggle the flag (e.g., enableProblematicFeature) to false in your feature flag management service (LaunchDarkly, Firebase Remote Config, your backend). The app will pick up the change on the next fetch/refresh.
Related Documents
- DOC-01: Core Architecture Reference
- See Also: Authentication Flow Implementation Guide (for user context)