Introduction
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Introduction
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Get started with feature management

2 minute read

Create your first feature flags and see how CloudBees Unify enables runtime control over application features without redeployment. This walkthrough shows you the basic feature management workflow using a sample Android application.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, ensure you have:

  • A CloudBees Unify organization with feature management access.

  • Android Studio installed for the sample application.

  • Git for cloning the example repository.

  • Basic familiarity with Android development (optional).

For complete technical requirements, refer to CloudBees Unify technical requirements reference.

Try feature flags with the sample app

  1. Clone the sample Android application.

    git clone git@github.com:cloudbees-io/android-fm-example.git
    ▼

    This sample app includes pre-configured feature flag integration and demonstrates common flag patterns.

  2. Open the project in Android Studio.

    The sample app includes several feature flags that control different aspects of the user interface and behavior.

  3. Get your SDK key from CloudBees Unify.

    1. Sign in to CloudBees Unify and navigate to Feature management  Flags.

    2. Select your application and environment to access the SDK key.

    3. Copy the SDK key for the next step.

      If you don’t see an SDK key, select Installation instructions to configure your environment.

  4. Configure the app with your SDK key.

    In AndroidManifest.xml, replace the placeholder with your actual SDK key:

    <meta-data
    android:name="rox.apiKey"
    android:value="your-cloudbees-sdk-key" />
    ▼

  5. Run the app and observe the initial state.

    Launch the app in Android Studio. Notice the current behavior of the feature flags shown in the interface.

  6. Modify feature flags in CloudBees Unify.

    1. Return to CloudBees Unify and navigate to Feature management.

    2. Select your application to view available flags.

    3. Modify one of the flag values (such as showMessage or fontColor).

    4. Toggle the Configuration status to On and save your changes.

  7. See real-time flag updates.

    Return to the running app and observe how it immediately reflects your flag changes without requiring app rebuild or redeployment.

The sample app demonstrates several flag types: boolean toggles, string values, numeric settings, and configuration combinations.

Understanding the flag integration

The sample app shows key feature management patterns:

  • SDK integration that connects your application to CloudBees Unify flag management.

  • Runtime flag evaluation that responds to flag changes without code deployment.

  • Multiple flag types including booleans, strings, and numeric values.

  • Immediate updates when flag configurations change in CloudBees Unify.

What you accomplished

You’ve experienced the basic feature management workflow:

  • Sample app exploration that demonstrates real feature flag integration.

  • SDK key configuration that connects applications to CloudBees Unify.

  • Runtime flag modification through the CloudBees Unify interface.

  • Immediate flag response without application restart or redeployment.

This foundation enables you to explore advanced feature management capabilities like user targeting, gradual rollouts, and A/B testing scenarios.

Next steps for your own application

To integrate feature flags into your own applications:

  • Review SDK installation guides for your technology stack.

  • Plan your feature flag strategy and flag naming conventions.

  • Configure applications and environments in CloudBees Unify.

  • Implement flag evaluation in your application code.

Related pages

Understanding Configuration as Code
Create and manage feature flags