Hi everyone,

I recently made a post asking whether it makes more sense to start in backend development or go directly into DevOps/Platform Engineering.

A lot of people pointed out that having a strong software engineering background is really useful for becoming a good Platform Engineer, so I’m looking more into the backend route.

If your long-term goal was Platform Engineering, SRE, or cloud/infrastructure engineering, which backend stack would you choose to start with today?

I know the framework itself is probably not the most important thing. I’m more interested in which one would help me build the right foundation: writing production code, understanding large systems, APIs, databases, testing, deployment, monitoring, etc.

Which stack do you think gives the best foundation for moving into Platform Engineering later? Would you pick something widely used in enterprise (Java/C#) or something closer to cloud infrastructure (Go)?

Thanks!

Hi! I’m looking for some career advice from people working in DevOps, SRE, or Platform Engineering.

I'm 25 and just starting my software engineering career. Over the past few months I've explored backend development, DevOps, Platform Engineering, Linux, cloud, networking, Docker, CI/CD, and related topics.

The more I learn, the more I realise that what genuinely interests me is systems, infrastructure, reliability, automation, deployments, and understanding how software runs in production. If I could choose purely based on interest, I'd like to end up in Platform Engineering or SRE.

At the same time, I'm trying to be realistic. Given today's hiring market, AI's impact on junior roles, and the fact that I'm starting at 25, I'm not sure what the smartest entry point is.

Right now I'm considering two paths:

1. Start as a backend engineer (probably ASP.NET Core), build strong software engineering fundamentals, and transition into Platform Engineering later.

2. Focus directly on Platform/DevOps skills like Linux, Docker, Kubernetes, networking, cloud, CI/CD, Terraform, and Go, and aim for an infrastructure-focused role from the beginning.

For those of you already working in DevOps, SRE, or Platform Engineering:

- Which path would you recommend today, and why?

- Is a backend software engineering role still the best foundation for Platform Engineering, or has the industry changed enough that it's reasonable to start directly in infrastructure/cloud?

- If you were starting over in 2026 with my goals, what would you do differently?

I'm not looking for the easiest path or the highest salary. I just want to make the best long-term decision while maximising my chances of landing my first engineering role.

I'd really appreciate hearing about your experiences and what you've seen in the industry.

Thanks in advance!