What is Platform Engineering?
Published: 2024-03-22 15:00:30


Hey there tech enthusiasts and aspiring engineers! Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes to power the digital platforms and services we rely on every day? 

Well, wonder no more, because today we're diving headfirst into the world of platform engineering – the backbone of the digital age. So, grab your favourite beverage and settle in as we unravel the mysteries of platform engineering and explore its role in shaping the digital landscape.

##What Exactly is Platform Engineering?

[Platform Engineering](https://www.incredibuild.com/blog/what-is-platform-engineering) serves as the cornerstone of digital infrastructure, encompassing a broad array of responsibilities and tasks aimed at designing, building, and maintaining the robust systems that power our digital world. At its essence, platform engineering revolves around creating the foundational architecture and tools necessary to support [development acceleration](https://www.incredibuild.com/), deployment, and operation of software applications and services. 

It involves a holistic approach to technology, blending elements of software engineering, systems architecture, and operations to create seamless and scalable platforms that meet the needs of modern businesses and users.

Platform engineers work at the intersection of [software development](https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-software-development/) and IT operations, leveraging their expertise to bridge the gap between development teams and the underlying infrastructure.

##The Role of Platform Engineers

So, what do platform engineers actually do? Well, they wear many hats, but their primary goal is to ensure that digital platforms and services are reliable, scalable, and secure. This involves everything from designing and implementing infrastructure-as-code solutions to optimising performance and troubleshooting issues as they arise. 

Platform engineers work closely with software developers, DevOps teams, and other stakeholders to define best practices, streamline workflows, and drive continuous improvement across the platform lifecycle.

##Key Skills and Technologies

To excel in platform engineering, you'll need a diverse skill set and a solid foundation in a variety of technologies. This includes proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or Go, as well as expertise in cloud computing platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud. 

Additionally, familiarity with containerization technologies like Docker and orchestration tools like Kubernetes is essential for managing complex distributed systems at scale.

But technical skills are just the tip of the iceberg – platform engineers also need strong problem-solving abilities, excellent communication skills, and a knack for collaboration. Whether they're troubleshooting a critical issue or presenting their latest infrastructure proposal to stakeholders, platform engineers must be able to navigate a variety of challenges with poise and confidence.

##The Evolution of Platform Engineering

Over the years, engineering platforms has undergone a remarkable evolution, driven by advancements in technology, changing business needs, and shifting paradigms in software development. This evolution has been marked by a series of transformative trends and innovations, each shaping the way platforms are designed, built, and operated.

One of the most significant shifts in engineering platforms has been the move towards cloud-native architectures and infrastructure. With the advent of cloud computing, organisations gained unprecedented flexibility and scalability, allowing them to rapidly deploy and scale applications on-demand. 

Platform engineers played a key role in this transition, designing cloud-native platforms that leverage the scalability and elasticity of cloud infrastructure to meet the demands of modern applications.

##Conclusion:

In conclusion, platform engineering is the engine that drives the digital revolution, enabling organisations to innovate, scale, and thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. From cloud-native applications to IoT ecosystems, platform engineers play a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape and driving technological progress. 

So, whether you're a seasoned engineer or a curious newcomer, engineering platforms offers endless opportunities for growth, discovery, and impact. Ready to embark on your engineering platform journey? The future awaits!