Backstage Software Templates for Java Developers

What if you could codify your team's best practices and spin up new, standardized Java projects in minutes? Learn how with Backstage software templates.

#1about 7 minutes

Introducing Backstage as a developer productivity portal

Backstage is an open source developer portal that centralizes tools and information, with Red Hat Developer Hub offering an enterprise-supported version.

#2about 2 minutes

Understanding the core architecture of Backstage

Backstage is built on Node.js and uses a system of frontend and backend plugins to create a composable user interface.

#3about 4 minutes

Using software templates for project scaffolding

Software templates are YAML files that define parameterized steps and actions to automate the creation of new projects and resources.

#4about 2 minutes

Setting up a local Backstage instance for development

Java developers can avoid JavaScript toolchain complexities by using pre-built container images, Kubernetes operators, or a Quarkus extension.

#5about 1 minute

Editing and debugging software templates effectively

The built-in template editor provides a fast feedback loop, while the debug action allows for step-by-step logging during execution.

#6about 6 minutes

Advanced practices for creating and managing templates

Improve templates by using custom fields, proper folder structures, versioning, secure credential handling, and descriptive metadata tags.

#7about 2 minutes

How to prevent template drift in your projects

Templates must be continuously updated with new best practices to avoid becoming a source of technical debt and legacy code.

#8about 2 minutes

Integrating approval workflows and defining a template strategy

Use tools like SonataFlow to add approval steps to templates and strategically decide on their granularity, maturity, and focus.

#9about 2 minutes

Exploring learning resources and the Quarkus extension

Get started with self-paced learning adventures and use the Quarkus extension to interact with Backstage APIs from a Java environment.

#10about 2 minutes

Using dynamic plugins for easier maintenance and scaling

Dynamic plugins can be added to a running instance without a full rebuild, simplifying maintenance and helping to scale Backstage across large organizations.