Platform Tips #26: Sorry, Using Backstage Alone Doesn't Make You a Platform Engineer
This article dispels the myth that using Backstage or any tool makes one a platform engineer. Platform engineering is about mindset, empathy for developers, and continuous improvement
Hey Folks 👋,
I'm Romaric, CEO of Qovery, and this is my 26th Platform Tips post.
Backstage is popular among development teams for its service management and developer experience. However, a misconception is emerging: using Backstage (or any other tool for that matter) doesn't make one a Platform Engineer. This mirrors early DevOps, where adopting CI/CD didn't equate to expertise.
TLDR: Platform engineering is about mindset, empathy for developers, and continuous improvement - not about the next fancy tool.
Platform Engineering: A Mindset, Not Just a Toolset
Platform engineering is far more than the sum of its tools. While Backstage can be a valuable asset, it alone does not define a platform engineer. At its core, platform engineering is about fostering a mindset dedicated to enabling and empowering developers. It requires a deep understanding of the development process, a commitment to improving efficiency, and a proactive approach to solving problems.
The Role of Tools in Platform Engineering
Backstage, Kubernetes, Terraform [..] are enablers, not the end goal.
Tools like Backstage, Kubernetes, Terraform, and others are certainly important in the platform engineer's toolkit. They provide the necessary infrastructure to support developer workflows, automate repetitive tasks, and ensure consistent environments. However, these tools are enablers, not the end goal. The true value of a platform engineer resides in how they use these tools to create a seamless and efficient developer experience.
The Mindset of a Successful Platform Engineer
Empathy for Developers: Understanding the needs and pain points of developers is more than necessary. A platform engineer should actively seek feedback, observe workflows, and identify bottlenecks. This empathy drives meaningful improvements and fosters a culture of collaboration.
Continuous Improvement: Platform engineering is an ongoing process. It involves constantly evaluating and refining tools and processes to enhance productivity. A successful platform engineer is always on the lookout for new ways to optimize the development environment.
Problem-Solving Skills: A key trait is the ability to diagnose and resolve issues. This involves technical troubleshooting and addressing underlying systemic problems that may hinder developer efficiency.
Holistic View of the System: Platform engineers must comprehensively understand the entire development and deployment pipeline, including everything from code integration to production monitoring. A holistic view ensures that all parts of the system work harmoniously together.
Automation and Scalability: Automating repetitive tasks and designing systems that can scale efficiently are fundamental. This reduces the manual workload and ensures that the platform can grow alongside the organization’s needs.
Beyond the Next Fancy Tool
It's easy to get caught up in the allure of the latest tools and technologies. While these can offer new capabilities and efficiencies, they should not be seen as a silver bullet. The success of platform engineering is not determined by the tools you use but by how well you can integrate them into a coherent, efficient, and developer-friendly platform.
Understanding team workflows, building scalable systems, and fostering continuous improvement are more valuable than any single tool. Backstage, like any other tool, should be viewed as a part of a broader strategy to enhance the developer experience, not as a shortcut to becoming a platform engineer.
Conclusion
Platform engineering thrives on a holistic and empathetic approach. Tools like Backstage, while valuable, serve as components of a broader ecosystem. True platform engineers excel by deeply understanding and addressing the genuine challenges developers encounter, constantly enhancing processes, and fostering a cohesive and supportive development environment. It's the mindset and approach that truly define a platform engineer. Let's embrace this mindset and maximize the potential of our tools.
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