Dark launch

Definition

A dark launch is a deployment strategy where new features are released to production but are hidden from end users until they are fully tested and validated. This allows teams to deploy code without impacting the user experience, enabling safer and more gradual testing of new features. It ties into other deployment strategies by allowing teams to manage risk while gathering real-world performance data in a live environment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Dark launching allows developers to test new features in production without exposing them to all users, reducing the risk of major issues.
2. This strategy can be used alongside feature flags to control visibility and access to new functionalities based on user segments.
3. By monitoring system performance and user behavior during a dark launch, teams can make informed decisions about when to enable the feature for all users.
4. Dark launches can lead to quicker iterations on features since they allow for real-time feedback and adjustments based on actual usage data.
5. This technique helps minimize the impact on the user experience by ensuring that only stable features are visible to users.

Review Questions

• How does a dark launch improve the deployment process compared to traditional methods?
  • A dark launch improves the deployment process by allowing teams to release features in a controlled manner without exposing them to end users right away. This means developers can gather data on performance and issues in a live environment while minimizing risk. Unlike traditional methods, which may require extensive testing before any code is pushed live, dark launches provide immediate feedback that can be used to refine and perfect the feature before full rollout.
• Discuss the relationship between dark launches and feature flags in managing feature releases.
  • Dark launches and feature flags work hand-in-hand to optimize feature releases. While dark launches allow teams to deploy code without affecting the user experience, feature flags give developers granular control over which features are visible to users. Together, these strategies enhance flexibility, enabling teams to enable or disable features quickly based on real-time data and feedback gathered during a dark launch, thus ensuring smoother rollouts.
• Evaluate the implications of using dark launches for continuous integration and delivery practices within a development team.
  • Using dark launches within continuous integration and delivery practices can significantly enhance a development team's efficiency and effectiveness. By allowing teams to deploy code more frequently and safely, dark launches align with the principles of rapid iteration and quick feedback loops. This approach fosters a culture of experimentation, where developers can test new ideas in real-time without risking user dissatisfaction. Ultimately, this leads to higher-quality software delivery, as features are refined based on actual performance metrics before reaching a wider audience.

Related terms

Blue-green deployment: A strategy that reduces downtime and risk by running two identical production environments, allowing for seamless transitions between versions.

Canary release: A technique where a new feature is rolled out to a small subset of users before a wider release, enabling teams to monitor performance and gather feedback.

Feature flags: Conditional statements in code that enable or disable features for specific users or environments, allowing for controlled exposure of new functionalities.