Server-Side Feature Flags with Node.js - Complete Backend Implementation Guide
· One min read
Node.js backend applications require robust feature management for APIs, microservices, and server-side logic. Feature flags provide the perfect solution for controlling backend functionality, managing database migrations, and enabling safe deployments in Node.js environments.
Why Node.js Backends Need Feature Flags
Node.js applications power millions of APIs and microservices worldwide. Feature flags in Node.js enable:
- Zero-downtime deployments of new API endpoints
- Database migration safety with gradual rollouts
- API versioning without maintaining multiple codebases
- Kill switches for problematic features
- A/B testing at the API level
const { FlagpoleClient } = require("@flagpole/node");
const client = new FlagpoleClient({
apiKey: "fp_live_your_api_key",
environments: ["production"],
fallbacks: {
"new-payment-gateway": false,
"enhanced-analytics": false,
},
});
await client.initialize();
// Safe feature rollout
if (await client.isFeatureEnabled("new-payment-gateway")) {
return await processPaymentV2(paymentData);
} else {
return await processPaymentV1(paymentData);
}