Dark launching is a software development strategy that involves releasing new features to a subset of users before making them available to everyone. This technique is often used in DevOps, a set of practices that combines software development (Dev) and IT operations (Ops) with the goal of shortening the system development life cycle and providing continuous delivery with high software quality.
In this glossary entry, we will delve into the concept of dark launching, its origins, its use cases, and its role in DevOps. We will also provide specific examples to illustrate how dark launching is implemented in real-world scenarios.
Definition of Dark Launching
Dark launching is a technique where new features are silently released to a small, select group of users before they are rolled out to the general public. This approach allows developers to test and refine the features in a real-world environment without affecting the entire user base.
The term "dark" refers to the stealthy nature of this process. Users in the dark launch group are typically unaware that they are testing new features. This allows developers to gather unbiased feedback on the features' performance and usability.
Dark Launching vs. Feature Flags
Dark launching is often confused with the use of feature flags, but there are key differences between the two. Feature flags, also known as feature toggles, are a programming technique that allows developers to turn features on or off without deploying new code. This can be used for a variety of purposes, including A/B testing, canary releases, and of course, dark launches.
While both techniques allow for controlled testing of new features, dark launching specifically refers to the practice of releasing features to a subset of users without their knowledge. Feature flags, on the other hand, can be used to control access to features in a variety of ways, not just for dark launches.
History of Dark Launching
The concept of dark launching originated in the tech industry, where companies are constantly seeking ways to improve their products without disrupting the user experience. The term is believed to have been coined by Facebook, which used this strategy to test new features on a small percentage of users before rolling them out widely.
Since then, dark launching has become a common practice in software development and DevOps. It is particularly popular among internet-based companies, where it is easy to segment users and deploy features selectively.
Impact on DevOps
Dark launching has had a significant impact on the field of DevOps. By allowing for real-world testing of new features without affecting all users, it supports the DevOps principles of continuous integration and continuous delivery (CI/CD). This enables faster, more reliable software releases.
Furthermore, dark launching fosters a culture of experimentation, which is another key aspect of DevOps. By making it safe to try out new ideas and learn from failures, dark launching encourages innovation and continuous improvement.
Use Cases of Dark Launching
There are many scenarios where dark launching can be beneficial. One of the most common is when introducing major changes or new features. By dark launching these changes, companies can test their impact and fix any issues before they affect the entire user base.
Dark launching can also be used to manage risk. If a new feature has the potential to cause problems, it can be dark launched to a small group of users. This allows the company to monitor the feature's performance and address any issues before they become widespread.
Examples
Facebook is one of the most well-known examples of a company that uses dark launching. The social media giant regularly tests new features on a small percentage of its users before rolling them out to everyone. This allows Facebook to gather data on how the features are used and how they impact user behavior.
Another example is Google, which often dark launches changes to its search algorithm. By doing so, the company can assess the impact of the changes on search results and user behavior before implementing them across the board.
Dark Launching in DevOps
In the context of DevOps, dark launching is a powerful tool for achieving continuous delivery. By releasing new features to a small group of users, teams can gather feedback and make improvements quickly, enabling them to deliver high-quality software at a faster pace.
Dark launching also supports the DevOps principle of learning from failure. If a dark launched feature doesn't perform as expected, teams can learn from the experience and use the insights gained to improve future releases.
Integration with DevOps Tools
Many DevOps tools support dark launching. For example, feature flagging platforms like LaunchDarkly and Split.io provide capabilities for managing dark launches. These tools allow teams to control who has access to new features and monitor their performance in real-time.
Similarly, CI/CD platforms like Jenkins and CircleCI can be used to automate the deployment of dark launches. This makes it easier to manage the process and ensures that new features are released in a controlled manner.
Conclusion
Dark launching is a powerful strategy for testing new features in a real-world environment without affecting all users. It supports the principles of DevOps, enabling faster, more reliable software releases and fostering a culture of experimentation.
Whether you're a developer, a product manager, or a business leader, understanding dark launching can help you make more informed decisions about how to deliver the best possible product to your users.