Optimizely EXPERIMENTATION for Developers
A comprehensive guide to unlock the full potential of Optimizely Experimentation
This guide provides a structured path for developers to learn, build, and maintain solutions on Optimizely Experimentation, distinguishing between Feature Experimentation (flags) and Web Experimentation (A/B testing) where relevant.
What is Optimizely Experimentation?
Optimizely Experimentation provides robust solutions for A/B testing, multivariate testing, feature flagging, and personalization across web, mobile, and other digital channels. Its key features include audience targeting, metric tracking, and result analysis.
Feature Experimentation
An API-first approach for rolling out new features, managing access, and running experiments on specific user segments. Ideal for controlling feature releases, A/B testing backend logic, and enabling progressive delivery.
Web Experimentation
A robust client-side platform for optimizing user experiences on websites and web applications. Designed for A/B testing UI changes, messaging, and user flows to improve conversion rates and engagement.
Core Experimentation concepts
Key concepts in Optimizely Experimentation include Experiments (tests), Variations (different versions), Audiences (user segments), Metrics (KPIs to measure), Events (user actions), and Integrations (analytics, CRM, data platforms).
Getting started
Your first steps with Optimizely
Kickstart your Optimizely Experimentation development journey by exploring environment setup for both Feature Experimentation and Web Experimentation. Gain insights into understanding the Optimizely UI for effective collaboration, and learn to design intuitive experiments with resources readily available to launch your first project.
Environment setup
For Feature Experimentation, environment setup requires integrating SDKs into your application (e.g., JavaScript, Python, Java). For Web Experimentation, it involves installing the Optimizely snippet on your website.
Configuring experiments
Master the art of setting up and defining your experiments for Web Experimentation and managing feature flags and their variables for Feature Experimentation. Learn to leverage the Optimizely UI to control your tests and rollouts effectively, ensuring precise targeting and successful deployments.
Creating experiment variations
Learn to implement diverse variations for your experiments. Whether you're coding different logic paths for Feature Experimentation or designing visual changes for Web Experimentation, discover how to effectively create and manage the different versions of your features and experiences to test and optimize.
Boost experimentation with Opal
Leverage Optimizely's Opal capabilities to supercharge your experimentation workflow. Get instant answers, generate ideas, and streamline tasks for both Feature and Web Experimentation, empowering you to optimize faster and smarter.
Ready to launch your first project?
Start your first feature experimentation with:
Level up
Core experimentation development
Explore core Optimizely Experimentation development, including implementing feature flags, creating web variations, managing audiences, and tracking metrics for both Feature Experimentation and Web Experimentation.
Mastering feature flags
Dive into the world of feature flags! Learn how to create, manage, and deliver features with precision using Optimizely Feature Experimentation. Control rollouts, conduct experiments, and ensure seamless deployment of new functionalities to your users.
Experimentation types
Uncover the various experiment types available in Optimizely Web Experimentation. Learn about A/B tests, multivariate tests, and more to effectively optimize your website's user experience and drive conversions. Understand which experiment type best suits your optimization goals.
Audience targeting and personalization
Define and manage user segments for targeted experiments and personalized experiences across both Feature and Web Experimentation. Leverage robust audience segmentation capabilities to ensure your tests reach the right users and drive meaningful results.
Target audiences in Feature Experimentation
Target visitors in Web Experimentation
Tracking metrics and events
Implement event tracking to capture user interactions and define key metrics to measure experiment success. Understand how to effectively track data across both Feature and Web Experimentation to gain valuable insights and drive data-driven decisions.
Track user events in Feature Experimentation
Track events and metrics in Web Experimentation
Mastering Optimizely
Advanced topics and integrations
Unlock the full potential of Optimizely Experimentation with advanced functionalities and integration capabilities. This section delves into critical areas such as optimizing performance and scalability, ensuring robust security and compliance, seamlessly integrating with external systems, and employing sophisticated experimentation techniques to drive deeper insights and superior user experiences.
Security and compliance
Understand the critical aspects of security and data privacy in Web Experimentation. Learn best practices for managing sensitive data, ensuring PCI DSS compliance, and adhering to regulations like GDPR and CCPA, including proper handling of cookies and local storage.
Performance and scalability
Dive into advanced strategies for ensuring your feature flags and experiments perform optimally at scale. Learn how to leverage edge workers and fine-tune SDK performance to deliver seamless user experiences without compromising speed or stability in high-traffic environments.
Integrate Optimizely products
Extend the power of Optimizely Web Experimentation by integrating with your existing analytics platforms, data layers, and marketing tools. Discover how to enrich your data, automate workflows, and gain deeper insights by connecting Optimizely with your broader tech stack.
Experimentation techniques
Elevate your experimentation strategy beyond basic A/B tests. Explore powerful techniques like multi-armed bandits for dynamic traffic allocation, multi-page experiments to optimize entire user funnels, and personalization campaigns to deliver tailored experiences, driving deeper engagement and conversions.
Multi-armed bandit
Multi-page experiment
Personalization campaigns
Validate your expertise: Get certified
You've mastered Optimizely Experimentation, from setup to advanced techniques and integrations. Now, formalize your skills and demonstrate proficiency with official Optimizely certifications. These credentials validate your expertise, opening doors to new opportunities and proving your ability to unlock the platform's full potential.
Staying current
Essential resources for Optimizely developers
In the fast-paced world of digital experience development, staying informed is key to success. This section provides critical resources to help you keep pace with Optimizely's evolution, anticipate future changes, and leverage the latest tools and features to their fullest potential.
Stay up-to-date with release notes
Keep track of the latest features, improvements, and bug fixes across all Optimizely products. Understanding release notes helps you leverage new capabilities and prepare for upcoming changes. View release notes: Feature Experimentation, Web Experimentation, Performance Edge, Experimentation Strategy
Influence the future with the product roadmap
Get a glimpse into Optimizely's strategic direction and upcoming innovations. The roadmap provides insights into planned features and helps you align your development efforts with future platform capabilities. Explore the roadmap
Academy
Advance your skills with structured courses and certifications designed for Optimizely developers. Explore Academy courses
Support
Access direct assistance from Optimizely for technical issues and personalized help. Contact our support professionals