A toggle is a switch that can be moved between two positions. It’s most commonly used to turn on and off different functions, but it can also be a way to alternate between multiple options. For example, if you’re on a live video chat with two friends at once, it can be helpful to toggle between the two screens. In technology, toggles are often found in the form of buttons or switches on keyboards or other devices.

In web design, toggles are useful when you need to allow users to update preferences, settings, or other information that can’t be changed directly from the page. They are especially useful when you can use them to create more complex interfaces with fewer lines of code. Toggles should always be accompanied by clear, concise labels to prevent confusion or ambiguity. They should also make sense based on their location in the interface and any visual cues you might use. Toggle switches look much like sliders and should utilize the same visual design to avoid ambiguity. Toggles should be only used when you need to show only two states of a function, not three or more. Toggle should never replace other form components, such as dropdowns or radio buttons, which can be used for more extensive selections.

Using feature toggles supports newer agile approaches to development and can help you release features faster than you would under more traditional waterfall development models. Be sure to name your feature toggles appropriately so they are easy for anyone to understand when reviewing your code.