Feature Element in Feature.xml

The Feature Element tag in a feature.xml file defines the feature and specifies the location of assemblies, files, dependencies or properties that support the Feature.

Some of the attributes that can be defined in a Feature Element are,

1. ActivateOnDefault - This attribute when set to true states that the feature is activated by default during installation of the feature. This attribute is provided at the web application scope and does not work at the site collection or web level.
2. AlwaysForceInstall - This attribute can be set to true if the feature is installed by force, even if the feature is installed already.
3. AutoActivateInCentralAdmin - This attribute can be set to true if the feature is activated by default in Administrative Web site, site collection or central administration. This attribute does not apply to Farm Scoped features.

Though these attributes are optional they prove very useful at times.