How to build resilience by bootstrapping Unleash’s Java SDK with predefined values [2023]

Unleash has introduced a new strategy for enhancing the resilience of its Java SDK by bootstrapping it with predefined values, a feature available from version 4.2.1. This method allows the SDK to function independently of a network connection by loading feature flag configurations from predefined values at startup, which is beneficial when network access to the Unleash server is unavailable. The process involves using backup files stored either on disk or in the application's classpath, and developers can also configure the SDK to load from AWS S3 by implementing a custom provider. The bootstrapping approach ensures that the application can maintain a consistent feature flag state, even in environments where permanent storage is inaccessible, such as in containers. This new feature is part of a broader commitment to improve the robustness and reliability of feature management systems.