Interview with Reggie Burnett

The "Connectors team" is an important group among the MySQL developers, as good client APIs are of course vital when using MySQL. One of the most recent additions is Connector/Net for .NET applications, and in this interview we talk with the author of this connector, Reggie Burnett.

Reggie, I understand you actually brought Connector/Net with you when joining MySQL AB?

Reggie: Yes. I developed the original ByteFX connector, which was acquired by MySQL in April '04. It was renamed to Connector/Net, and as part of the connectors team I am responsible for its further development and maintenance. The team lead is Mark Matthews [JDBC] and I work with Peter Harvey [ODBC], Eric Herman [MXJ], Patrick Galbraith [Perl DBI], and Vasily Kishkin [C API].

I always ask people what work they are most proud of. As your work is mostly focused on Connector/Net, perhaps the better question would be how it has been received by users?

I am definitely proud of the Connector/Net product. It is becoming an integral part of so many [.NET] applications out there. I get emails and support requests from so many people around the world. It's really fun interacting with so many people who are using your software.

What has been your biggest challenge?

There actually have not been many challenges. MySQL is such a great company to work for. One nice challenge I have had is learning the MySQL server code so I can be productive fixing bugs there! :-)

Ah, so you are involved with other development! What are you currently working on?

My day-to-day focus is still on Connector/Net, but I spend a good deal of time working on fixing problems with MySQL 4.1.

If you are willing to tell, how old are you? Please tell us some more about your background?

Sure! I'm 34 years old. Yep, an old guy by today's software development standards. I have a BS degree in Computer Science from Western Kentucky University. I work out of my home office located near Nashville, Tennessee in the US. My work environment is currently pretty messy. Good size room (15x15) [ft] with a truly insufficient view of the outside :-)

How do you like working for a virtual company like MySQL. Do you see any particular advantages, disadvantages, challenges?

I really love it. I think communication is almost better in this type of company. Rather than spending time roaming the halls of a typical office space getting answers to issues, I have a quick IRC discussion with someone and the issue is solved. There are times when the person you need to speak to is several time zones away and is currently sleeping, but with so much work to do those issues are manageable.

What do you do outside working hours?

I am married and have two wonderful children. I spend my time working on our new house, watching movies, playing golf, woodworking, and playing with my kids.

Please tell how you joined the company?

I was originally approached by Venu [former MySQL ODBC developer] concerning speaking at UC 2003 [MySQL Users Conference] on my connector product. I did that and immediately recognized that MySQL AB would be a great company to work for. I then started the process of convincing MySQL that .NET was a great technology and that the company needed someone working in that area. Around the time of UC 2004, the company agreed and acquired "me" and my product.

Why specifically did you want to work for MySQL?

Three reasons, mainly:

1. The benefits are great including the work flexibility
2. Working with such smart and dedicated people
3. The opportunity to get paid to continue work on my connector product.

I know (as you do) that there are many .Net developers out there that use your connector with VB.NET, C#, etc. Thanks for your time, and keep up the good work!