Open Source Startup Podcast E173: Feature Flagging with OpenFeature
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Apr 14, 2025 Andrew Norris, Co-Founder & CEO of DevCycle, shares insights into his journey from Taplytics to launching a feature flagging platform based on the OpenFeature project. He discusses the fascinating shift from A/B testing to focusing on engineers, highlighting the importance of open standards to prevent vendor lock-in. Norris also delves into DevCycle's growth strategies, combining open-source principles with a sustainable business model, and emphasizes the necessity of feature flags in modern software development.
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DevCycle's Pivot
- DevCycle pivoted from Taplytics, a mobile A/B testing platform, after realizing their target audience shifted to engineers.
- This change was driven by factors like COVID-related corporate cuts and the increasing complexity of mobile development.
The Shift to Engineering Ownership
- While A/B testing was appealing to non-technical teams, using it effectively often required significant engineering involvement.
- This led to a shift in ownership of A/B testing towards engineering teams, making feature flags a more valuable tool.
The Value of OpenFeature
- OpenFeature provides a valuable standard for feature flagging, unifying tools and preventing vendor lock-in at the code level.
- This open standard allows for flexibility and portability, enabling engineering teams to choose the best platform for their needs.