In general computing, a toggle is an on/off switch. It has only two possible states and is often used when a user needs to decide between two opposing options.
Toggle switches are a simple yet powerful tool for updating preferences, settings, and other types of information. They provide direct labels, standard visual design, and deliver immediate results.
Using Togle in the Right Context
If you’re developing a web application or other digital platform, consider adding toggles to your interface to help users quickly update their preferences and settings. This simple, low-cost component can make a big difference in the user experience.
When using toggles, ensure that they are clear and easy to understand. Use high-contrast colors and state descriptors such as On and Off to signal the system’s current status.
Managing Toggle Configuration with Static Files
One of the most common approaches for handling toggle configuration is to hardcode the toggle settings into static files in source control. This approach is a good choice for most feature flags because it avoids the need for runtime configuration and provides a lot of re-usability within a development environment.
However, this method has its limitations. It can become a very cumbersome process for teams trying to manage large numbers of toggle configurations. To address this issue, it’s important to expose an endpoint which allows dynamic in-memory re-configuration of toggles, allowing users to override toggle configuration in real time. This will not only reduce the need for manual re-configuration during development but it will also improve your cycle time in the CI/CD pipeline and ensure that you can always get feedback on changes as they happen.