A toggle is a type of switch that allows users to select between two different options. Toggles can be found in various everyday technology devices and software applications. They are typically used to enable/disable features, switch between different display modes, or allow/disallow settings.
Toggles are frequently used for A/B testing in which a user is sent down one code path or another based on the cohort they belong to. This can help make data-driven optimizations to things like the purchase flow of an ecommerce system or Call To Action wording on a button.
In terms of the implementation of toggles in a codebase there are many approaches that can be taken. Some approaches are very dynamic and allow for the quick re-configuration of a toggle while others require us to hardcode the toggle state into our release. The latter approach is often only appropriate for flags that are very long-lived or semi-permanent and can be difficult to manage in the context of CI/CD processes where we have tight cycles and must constantly deploy artifacts into a testing environment.
When using a toggle in your application it is important to keep a few best practices in mind. This includes making sure that the toggle has clear labels and that those labels make it very clear what each option will do when the toggle is on. Using a high-contrast color for the toggle’s on position and using clear state descriptors are also recommended as these will help to increase the clarity with which a user can understand the status of a toggle.
Another best practice is to give each toggle a meaningful name. This will provide some useful context to someone that encounters the toggle in error messages or when reviewing the code base. It can help them understand who wrote the toggle, how long it has been in the codebase, and what it does.
Lastly, it is important to remember that when implementing a toggle in your application that it should be used sparingly and with caution. Having too many toggles in your app can lead to confusion and may create unnecessary cognitive overhead for users. It is a good idea to use them where they are most necessary and then remove them when their functionality has been exhausted.
As always, it is important to experiment with different approaches and to find the right balance of how you utilize toggles in your application. By following these simple best practices you can help ensure that your toggles are both effective and easy to use for both your customers and your development team. By doing so you can continue to deliver the best products and experiences for your users. Happy experimenting! -Eds: This article was originally published on the Glide blog and is reposted here with permission from our parent company, Glide.