behindflags

Behindflags is a term used to describe the practice of delivering software features only behind runtime feature flags. In this approach, code containing a new feature is deployed to production but remains hidden or inactive until enabled by configuration, often for selected users or environments. Behindflags is part of the broader concept of feature flagging or feature toggling and is a common element of progressive delivery and canary releases.

How it works: Feature flags are evaluated at runtime by the application. Flags can be boolean, percentage-based, or user-segmented. Rolling out a feature typically involves gradually increasing the flag's exposure, monitoring metrics, and adjusting or revoking access as needed. Centralized flag services or libraries are commonly used to manage flags across multiple services.

Benefits: reduces risk by decoupling deployment from release, enables safe experimentation and quick rollback via a kill switch, supports A/B testing and regional or user-based deployments, and accelerates feedback.

Risks: can create technical debt if flags are never removed, adds runtime complexity and potential performance overhead, complicates testing, and may raise security or privacy concerns if flag value decisions reveal user attributes. Proper governance, observability, and lifecycle management are essential.

Best practices: keep flags short-lived, document purpose and owners, implement automated flag cleanup, test toggling under real load, ensure consistent flag values across clients, and invest in monitoring and rollback procedures.