When clients push for new features, I ensure software stability isn’t compromised by using a few strategies. Recently, a client wanted new features added quickly. I implemented feature toggles so we could test these additions without affecting the main codebase. We also staggered the release, rolling out updates in phases. This helped us monitor performance and catch any issues early on. Thorough testing was crucial—I used both automated and manual tests to make sure new features worked well with existing ones. By combining these approaches, I balanced innovation with stability. The client got their new features, and the software remained reliable.

To ensure software stability while clients push for new features, prioritize maintaining a balance between development speed and quality. Start by clearly explaining the risks of rushing features without proper testing, such as bugs or downtime. Propose a phased or incremental approach, where new features are added in stages, allowing time for proper testing and quality assurance. Ensure your team maintains a strong testing suite—unit, integration, and regression tests—so that each new feature is thoroughly vetted before release. Communicate timelines honestly, emphasizing the importance of stability for long-term success and customer satisfaction.

This involves using feature toggles to test new additions without disrupting the main codebase, staggering releases to catch issues early, and conducting thorough testing using automated and manual tests to ensure new features integrate seamlessly.

In my view, to ensure software stability while addressing client demands for new features, prioritize clear communication. Explain the importance of stability and how rushing features can lead to bugs or downtime, affecting long-term performance. Use a phased approach by breaking features into smaller, manageable increments and integrating them over time. Implement rigorous testing (unit, integration, and user acceptance) to catch issues early. Leverage feature toggles to introduce features without impacting stability. Lastly, balance client demands by maintaining a backlog of features, ensuring that core functionality and stability remain intact.

Feature code isolation is the key: - best stability: each feature can release separately with no dependency to each other; - good stability: features are released together but code are isolated in different modules; - ok stability: features are highly coupled, one feature’s bug may cause side effects in another feature, but there is good e2e test coverage (manual or automated) and rollback mechanism.