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DevOps & Automation · Intermediate

Dark Launch

Deploying a feature to production while hiding it from users, so it can be tested with real traffic or infrastructure before release.

Definition

Dark launches often run new code paths in the background or behind disabled feature flags to validate performance and correctness at scale. Users see no change until the feature is enabled.

Example

A new recommendation engine processes real requests in shadow mode, but results are not shown to users.

Exam tip

Dark launches reduce launch risk; they rely on feature flags or traffic mirroring.

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