In today’s evolving tech landscape, golden paths for developers have become essential. These paths are streamlined workflows supported by Internal Developer Platforms (IDPs), which reduce cognitive load and improve efficiency. Enterprises now invest in IDPs to enable these golden paths, helping developers navigate complex environments with ease.
The rise of internal developer platforms in enterprise tech
Over the past decade, DevOps practices have reshaped enterprise development. With the surge in cloud and microservices, companies saw an opportunity to improve productivity. Public cloud providers, alongside open-source tools like Kubernetes, created a vast ecosystem of cloud-native tools. However, this growth introduced new complexities, demanding a high level of technical expertise.
To address this, platform engineering emerged, pioneered by leading tech companies. Unlike traditional DevOps teams, platform engineers build toolchains and workflows that enable self-service. The goal is clear: empower developers while minimising repetitive tasks. According to Puppet’s 2021 State of DevOps report, high-performing teams are those that leverage internal platforms.
What is an internal developer platform (IDP)?
An IDP is an internal platform crafted by platform engineers, combining tools to support a golden path for developers. These platforms allow self-service without concealing vital context, thus reducing cognitive strain. Designed with in-house developers as primary users, IDPs follow a “Platform as a Product” philosophy, continuously evolving based on user feedback.
Unlike off-the-shelf DevOps platforms, IDPs are highly customisable. Each enterprise adapts its IDP to meet unique needs. These platforms facilitate key aspects like configuration management, environment provisioning, infrastructure orchestration, and access control.
IDPs supporting golden paths
Golden paths are standardised workflows within IDPs, enabling developers to work more efficiently. Originally introduced by Spotify, this concept has been adopted widely. By following golden paths, developers can rely on established best practices, accelerating their journey from development to production.
The use of internal platforms and DevOps evolution graphic shows that companies with advanced DevOps are more likely to utilise internal platforms. These platforms streamline operations, reducing cognitive load and increasing developer productivity.
Treating the platform as a product
Building an IDP is only the first step. Platform teams must approach IDPs as products, focusing on developer needs. Continuous improvements are vital. Through user research and feedback, platform teams ensure that IDPs remain aligned with business goals.
To avoid creating silos, organisations should prioritise self-service enablement over merely relabelling DevOps teams. Successful platforms offer a seamless experience, designed specifically for internal developers.
Golden paths: the next level of DevOps
Golden paths enable developers to fully own their services while following well-defined workflows. Platform teams establish these paths to standardise processes, supporting quality and consistency across projects. This approach, often called “DevOps on steroids,” boosts productivity and minimises errors.
The emerging significance of golden paths for developers
Golden paths are shaping the future of application development. Charity Majors, an industry expert, emphasises how platform engineers bring design and UX principles to infrastructure. According to Gartner’s Hype Cycle for Emerging Tech, platform engineering appears as a key trend, highlighting its potential for rapid adoption. As enterprises build IDPs, they increasingly rely on golden paths to optimise workflows.
Practical IDP solutions: Backstage and Project Unox
At Devoteam Netherlands, we identified the potential of IDPs early. In 2022, we launched Project Unox to showcase a robust IDP built with a preferred technology stack. This project illustrates the value of IDPs in enhancing developer productivity and establishing golden paths.
Golden paths and IDPs are revolutionising enterprise software development. As companies adopt these tools, they streamline processes, align with modern practices, and reduce complexity in today’s cloud-native world.
Want to learn more about developer platforms?
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