How to Handle Feature Flags in Development Workflow?

How to handle feature flags in development workflow?

Handle feature flags by creating tasks for each flag lifecycle stage: implementation, testing behind flag, gradual rollout, full release, and cleanup (flag removal). Use labels to track flag status (flag:active, flag:deprecated), document rollout plans in NoteVault, and schedule cleanup tasks to prevent technical debt from abandoned flags.

Feature flag lifecycle tasks

Feature flag labels

Feature flag task template

FEATURE FLAG: new-checkout-flow

Created: 2025-01-15
Owner: @developer

Rollout Plan:
- [ ] Week 1: 1% of users
- [ ] Week 2: 10% of users
- [ ] Week 3: 50% of users
- [ ] Week 4: 100% of users

Monitoring:
- Checkout completion rate
- Error rate on checkout
- Support ticket volume

Rollback trigger:
- Error rate > 0.5%
- Checkout completion < 80%

Cleanup deadline: 2025-02-28

NoteVault flag registry

# Active Feature Flags

| Flag | Owner | Status | Created | Cleanup Date |
|------|-------|--------|---------|--------------|
| new-checkout | @alice | 50% rollout | 2025-01-15 | 2025-02-28 |
| redesigned-nav | @bob | 100% | 2025-01-01 | OVERDUE |
| dark-mode-v2 | @carol | Testing | 2025-01-20 | 2025-03-15 |

## Stale Flags (> 30 days at 100%)
- redesigned-nav: Should have been removed 2025-02-01

## Recently Cleaned Up
- old-payment-flow: Removed 2025-01-10

Preventing flag technical debt:

1. Create cleanup task with flag - Part of definition of done
2. Set expiration date - 30 days after 100% rollout
3. Monthly flag review - Check for stale flags
4. Track in NoteVault - Flag registry document
5. Make cleanup visible - Celebrate flag removal
6. Limit active flags - WIP limit for flags (e.g., max 10)

Common flag mistakes

Related articles

• Preparing teams for release cycles
• How to manage technical debt without stopping features
• Coordinating releases across multiple teams