Platforms: Build Abstractions, Not Illusions

Explore the delicate balance between creating useful abstractions and dangerous illusions in platform design through this insightful 46-minute conference talk by Gregor Hohpe at Devoxx. Delve into two decades of experience building complex distributed systems, examining where abstractions have proven beneficial and where illusions have led to significant setbacks. Learn why hiding complexity in platforms isn't always the best approach for improving productivity, avoiding mistakes, and reducing cognitive load. Gain valuable insights on crafting effective abstractions that enhance system understanding rather than obscuring critical details, ultimately leading to more robust and maintainable distributed systems.