The SDLC, from the platform side
Seven stages, one platform underneath
For a developer, shipping software should feel like three steps: write it, push it, see it running. The platform's job is everything in between that makes those steps feel simple. Each stage below is how I think that part should work, the place in Hangar that does it, and what changes when the author is an AI agent.
- 01Plan and designContracts first, decisions in writingAgree on what good looks like once, write it down as an API, and write down why.An API-driven control plane, ready for AIHonest by design
- 02Onboard and codeOne file, scaffolded for youA developer's first push should just work, and they should only ever have to look after one file.The platform is a productPaved roads, with security built in
- 03Build and testRootless builds, pinned catalogs, real testsBuild without special privileges, change shared things carefully, and test against the real thing.The platform is a productEvent-driven by default
- 04Secure and governHonest gates, workload identity, no stored keysThe safe path should be the easy path, and a check that isn't real yet should say so.Paved roads, with security built inHonest by design
- 05Release and deployOnly a merged commit crosses a boundaryNo cluster holds another cluster's credentials. The only thing that crosses a boundary is a reviewed, merged commit.Every change is a reviewed commitEvent-driven by default
- 06Operate and observeOne trace per change, one pane of glassYou should be able to follow any change from start to finish in one place, and trust the numbers you see.Event-driven by defaultInterfaces people trust
- 07Measure and improveScorecards, evals and written-down gapsMeasure honestly, share the number, and keep a written list of what still needs work.Honest by designThe platform is a product