What Is a Toggle?

Toggle is a word used to describe the ability to switch between settings or programs. In software applications toggles are commonly used to enable or disable features, alter display modes, and manage other options. They are an important component of any application’s user interface and are especially useful for minimizing page scrolling, as well as making content easier to read and understand.

Toggles are often used to implement a variety of best practices, from simple user preference options (such as light or dark themes) to complex multivariate tests and A/B optimizations. Toggle switches can also be used to manage permissions, limit access to sensitive information or allow or block certain types of behavior.

A toggle is a tool to be used with caution and care. When not used correctly it can create a confusing and difficult user experience. Toggles should always be clearly labeled and designed with accessibility in mind to ensure they can be used by people of all abilities.

When a toggle is triggered by a user clicking a button, it should only be active for the duration of the interaction. This helps prevent users from accidentally changing a toggle state or navigating into unintended states. Toggle switches should also be designed with consistent visual feedback to indicate the current state, which can be accomplished through color changes or icons. In order to be fully accessible, toggles should also respond reliably to user input and provide the option to re-trigger if necessary.

In the context of development, toggle configuration is typically stored in a centralized repository. This allows teams to easily change and manage their toggles, as well as track the impact of their changes on existing functionality. This approach is often referred to as feature flag management.

Oftentimes when a team wants to deploy a new feature they will generate a release toggle in the master branch of their codebase. This will cause the existing feature to be disabled in production, but allow developers to write and test their new features. When they’re satisfied with the feature and ready to push it into production, they will flip the toggle switch to the “On” position.

It’s important for a team to actively manage their inventory of release toggles to keep it as low as possible. Savvy teams will add a toggle removal task to their backlog and often build the process into their management tool so that they can efficiently prune old toggles when they’re no longer needed. In addition, it’s a good practice to test with all release toggles flipped Off to make sure no unexpected regressions are introduced in a future update.