As software engineers, there’s a common misconception that our value lies solely in our ability to code. We’re often portrayed as keyboard warriors, churning out lines of text that magically transform into working software. While coding is undoubtedly a valuable skill, it’s not the defining characteristic of a good engineer. At its core, engineering is about problem-solving. We’re paid to analyze complex situations, identify root causes, and devise effective solutions. Sometimes, those solutions involve writing code....

As someone who’s spent a fair bit of time in the platform engineering trenches, I’ve seen my share of successes and failures. But if there’s one lesson that stands out above the rest, it’s this: platform engineering is fundamentally about building a product for your fellow engineers. Fail to recognize that, and you’re setting yourself up for a world of pain. The Platform as a Product It’s easy to get caught up in the technical details of building and maintaining a platform....

Engineering teams are the backbone of innovation and product development in the intricate world of technology. At the helm stands the engineering manager, a role with the power to propel a team to greatness or lead it into utter dysfunction. Sadly, the engineering world is rife with tales of both stellar and disastrous engineering managers – and for good reason. Common Traits of Ineffective Engineering Managers Let’s explore two of the most destructive traits found in poor engineering leaders....

Recently, I made a seemingly simple statement about a not-so-simple concept: “The whole point of agile is to (you guessed it) be agile. If you work in sprints but have to follow a rigid plan and don’t have the ability to adapt quickly, you’re doing it wrong.” This idea struck a nerve, prompting a few discussions and raising questions about the true nature of Agile methodology. It seems many organizations and teams struggle with the very thing that gives this framework its name: agility....

We constantly encounter a tidal wave of new data. News cycles race to be the first to break a story, social media feeds overflow with opinions masquerading as facts, and every day, new research seems to upend previously held beliefs. It’s an environment that can lead to one of two extremes – a rigid adherence to entrenched convictions or a dizzying cycle of perpetually shifting viewpoints. The most effective and resilient minds find the balance....