May 2016 Summaries

The New Relic Node.js agent 1.28.0 introduces new visibility into Express app middleware, providing metrics for each middleware function executed in a transaction and displaying the execution time of individual segments within slow transactions. With this release, users can now see which middlewares execute in a given transaction, making it easier to identify performance bottlenecks in their applications. The updated agent also instruments error handling and routes, allowing users to view detailed breakdowns of how errors are handled and where time is being spent in their Express apps. Additionally, the new release provides better support for mounted apps and routers, enabling users to see the path displayed in the Breakdown table and a separate segment representing the router in transaction traces.

New Relic has released version 1.28.0 of its Node.js agent, which enhances monitoring capabilities for Express applications by automatically instrumenting middleware functions. This update allows users to gain detailed insights into the performance of middleware components within their applications, with metrics now available for each middleware function executed during a transaction. The new version also improves transaction traces by displaying segments for middleware, routers, mounted apps, and route paths, enabling developers to identify where time is spent and differentiate between slow components. Furthermore, error handlers in Express are treated as middleware, and the system recommends using named functions for better metric differentiation. These improvements aim to provide better visibility into both global and route-specific middleware functions for Express, the most commonly used web framework among New Relic’s Node.js users.

AWS GameDay is a daylong simulation designed to help Amazon Web Services (AWS) users figure out how to solve problems they're likely to face in the real world by participating in a live, competitive event where teams manage infrastructure in a live AWS environment. The event has been running since last year's re:Invent conference and has been held at various AWS Summits, with a lighthearted and cooperative spirit that draws players of all levels of AWS experience. Teams are given a "fake-real" environment to work in with no actual risk, and the simulation is designed to be entertaining and fun while also teaching valuable lessons about troubleshooting and problem-solving in the cloud. The event has been successful in helping participants learn new strategies and skills, even for those who were initially considered beginners.

AWS GameDay, a dynamic and engaging simulation event held during the AWS Summit in Chicago, provides participants with a hands-on experience in managing AWS infrastructure under pressure. The event is designed around a fictional startup, Unicorn.Rentals, where participants, acting as DevOps leads, must navigate real-world challenges like optimizing server response times and managing costs without detailed instructions, simulating real-life scenarios in a controlled "fake-real" environment. Teams of various experience levels, such as The Waitlisters, tackle unexpected challenges, from server load spikes to security issues, while competing to maintain high performance and customer satisfaction. Despite the intense one-day timeframe, participants learn valuable cloud management strategies and problem-solving skills, with the event emphasizing fun and cooperation. The Waitlisters, despite being newcomers to AWS, were recognized for their focus on customer needs, exemplifying the event's emphasis on practical learning and teamwork.

This article challenges the traditional view that strong engineers automatically become good managers. Instead, it suggests that management requires different skills and qualities than engineering, and that individuals should be able to move between these roles without being seen as promotions or demotions. New Relic's approach to engineering and management is described as having two tracks, one for individual contributors (engineers) and another for managers, with the ability to move across or through these tracks based on individual needs and goals. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding new success criteria when transitioning from an engineer to a manager, and highlights the value of learning from others in management roles. It also touches on the challenges of this approach, including breaking ingrained thinking habits, but ultimately argues that it can lead to more effective management and team leadership.

New Relic's approach to engineering management challenges the traditional notion that standout engineers should naturally progress into management roles, emphasizing that management requires different skills and is not inherently a promotion. The company offers distinct career tracks for engineers and managers, allowing individuals to move between them based on personal interests rather than hierarchical advancement. This model acknowledges that success criteria differ significantly between the roles of engineer and manager, with management focusing on team accomplishments rather than individual contributions. New Relic supports engineers transitioning to management by allowing them time to learn and understand their new responsibilities, ensuring they are well-prepared for their roles. The company recognizes that success in management is not determined by one's previous achievements in engineering, but rather by the skills and understanding developed in the management role.