4 posts tagged with "feature-flags"

Feature Flags Security - Protecting Your Applications and Data​

Feature flags are powerful tools that can significantly enhance your development workflow, but they also introduce new security considerations. Whether you're implementing feature flags in React, Node.js, Angular, Vue, or React Native applications, understanding and implementing proper security measures is crucial for protecting your applications and user data.

Understanding Feature Flag Security Risks​

Feature flags create new attack surfaces and potential vulnerabilities that developers must address:

1. API Key Exposure​

Exposing your feature flag API keys can allow attackers to manipulate your application's behavior.

2. Privilege Escalation​

Improperly configured flags might grant unauthorized access to premium features or administrative functions.

3. Data Leakage​

Feature flags that control data access could inadvertently expose sensitive information.

4. Logic Bypass​

Attackers might exploit flag logic to bypass security controls or business rules.

// ❌ NEVER expose API keys in frontend code
const badExample = {
  apiKey: "fp_live_secret_key_12345", // This will be visible to users!
};

// ✅ Use environment variables and proper key types
const goodExample = {
  apiKey: process.env.FLAGPOLE_PUBLIC_KEY, // Public key for frontend
};

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);
}

React applications require dynamic, responsive user experiences. Feature flags provide the perfect solution for controlling features, conducting A/B tests, and rolling out updates safely in React apps. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about implementing feature flags in React applications.

Why React Developers Need Feature Flags​

React's component-based architecture makes it ideal for feature flag implementation. You can conditionally render components, modify props, or change application behavior without touching your deployment pipeline.

import { useFeatureFlag } from "@flagpole/react";

function Dashboard() {
  const showNewChart = useFeatureFlag("enhanced-analytics");
  const enableDarkMode = useFeatureFlag("dark-mode-ui");

  return (
    <div className={enableDarkMode ? "dark-theme" : "light-theme"}>
      <h1>Analytics Dashboard</h1>
      {showNewChart ? <NewChartComponent /> : <LegacyChart />}
    </div>
  );
}

Feature flags, also known as feature toggles or feature switches, have revolutionized how modern development teams deploy and manage software features. Whether you're building with React, Node.js, Angular, Vue, or React Native, feature flags provide the flexibility and control every development team needs.

What Are Feature Flags?​

Feature flags are conditional statements in your code that allow you to enable or disable features without deploying new code. Think of them as remote-controlled switches for your application's functionality.

// Example in React
function Dashboard() {
  const { isFeatureEnabled } = useFeatureFlags();

  return (
    <div>
      <h1>Dashboard</h1>
      {isFeatureEnabled("newAnalytics") && <AdvancedAnalytics />}
      {isFeatureEnabled("betaChat") && <ChatWidget />}
    </div>
  );
}