To remove a feature flag, you typically utilize a dedicated cleanup tool or feature within your feature flag management system.
Feature flags that are no longer used in any environment can be safely deleted using the Cleanup screen. This tool is specifically designed to help you manage and remove flags that have served their purpose.
When is it safe to remove a feature flag?
Based on the provided reference, it is considered safe to delete feature flags when:
- They are no longer used in any environment. This means the flag is not active or referenced in any production, staging, or development environment codebases.
- The features they controlled have been fully deployed. This indicates that the new functionality is stable, released to all target users, and the old code path governed by the flag is no longer necessary.
How the Cleanup Screen Helps
The Cleanup screen assists in the process by:
- Recommending cleanup tasks: It can analyze your flags to identify potential candidates for removal.
- Providing quick access links: It often offers direct links to the locations or actions needed to perform the cleanup, making the process more efficient.
By using the Cleanup screen and ensuring the feature is fully deployed and the flag is no longer in use, you can safely delete outdated flags, helping to keep your codebase clean and your flag management system organized.
Keeping your feature flag list tidy is crucial for maintaining clarity and reducing technical debt. Regularly reviewing and removing obsolete flags ensures that developers aren't confused by old or irrelevant flags and that the system remains performant.
