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"Dark Launch"

Facebook uses an interesting method for testing when rolling out new features. This method, which I first read about on the Facebook engineering blog, is refered to as a “dark launch”. It’s an interesting title and more interesting is that Facebook users are testing new feature rollouts without realizing it. Because Facebook has so many users it is difficult to stress test accurately. However, to simulate high load on new features, Facebook will pop some code on the users homepage and have it function off screen or render nothing at all. This simulates a lot of people using the product (because they are) and they can accurately, or more accurately, determine bottlenecks and work out kinks.

Both the launch of the Facebook Chat application and their integration with CNN for the 09 Innauguration of Barack Obama were “dark launch” products.

I’ve never heard the term before but it could be a well known strategy. Nonetheless, cool stuff Facebook.

The feed I got the info from was in my private profile so I don’t have a link. Join the “Engineering at Facebook” group to read the article. It might be publically available but I’m not sure.

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