Your feature flag defaults are backwards in tests

📰 Dev.to · Deva

Learn why defaulting feature flags to 'on' in tests can be problematic and how to fix it for better test isolation

intermediate Published 16 Jun 2026
Action Steps
  1. Identify feature flags in your test suite
  2. Set feature flags to 'off' by default in tests
  3. Use opt-in approach for feature flags in tests
  4. Configure feature flags using environment variables or a configuration file
  5. Test feature flags with different configurations to ensure correct behavior
Who Needs to Know This

Developers and QA engineers can benefit from understanding the importance of proper feature flag configuration in tests to ensure reliable and efficient testing

Key Insight

💡 Defaulting feature flags to 'off' in tests helps prevent unintended behavior and ensures reliable test results

Share This
🚨 Don't default feature flags to 'on' in tests! Learn why and how to fix it for better test isolation 🚨

Key Takeaways

Learn why defaulting feature flags to 'on' in tests can be problematic and how to fix it for better test isolation

Full Article

Most test suites get feature flag isolation backwards. The instinct is to opt in to a feature when a...
Read full article → ← Back to Reads