Many developers have been upset in the past due to Facebook’s rapid Platform iteration pace. Specifically, when Facebook releases new bug fixes or features, developers are often caught needing to update the code on their live sites. While Facebook has had a beta site for some time (beta.facebook.com) which developers can use to test their code against upcoming changes, the updates and fixes were often a black box resulting in low testing rates.

Yesterday, Facebook released their new Migration Tool which essentially allows developers to toggle new features/fixes on and off at the throw of a switch. While all the features/fixes will go live eventually, this new tool gives developers control over exactly when their application receives the update during the transition window.

The best way to utilize this new migration tool is to have a copy of your application which developers can use to update and integrate new features and fixes. Then, once satisfied with the results, integrate the code into the live application and turn on the appropriate feature switches. Users will not experience downtime and the application will be up to date with the latest changes.