MySQL Rockstar 2023: Q&A with Alkin Tezuysal
Q1. You were awarded the MySQL Rockstar 2023. Congratulations! What do you think are your most important contributions in the area of open-source relational databases?
My most significant contributions to the open-source relational database community stem from my books, which have helped professionals and enthusiasts alike. Additionally, my active participation in conferences and meetups—as a speaker, organizer, and committee member—has allowed me to bridge the gap between enterprises and the open-source community.
Q2. What do you think of the idea of extending MySQL to support vector data types and vectorized queries?
MySQL stepping into the vector realm is not only crucial but inevitable. I foresee vector data types evolving regarding indexing, storage, compression, and encryption techniques, all of which will be essential as AI/ML applications grow.
Q3. What are the challenges you see in doing this?
The primary challenge is the absence of standardized approaches to vector data types, much like how JSON and document stores have evolved. Establishing best practices will take time, and any solution must ensure scalability and compatibility with existing MySQL features. MySQL has been serving the industry for several years with solutions ranging from predictive analytics to fraud detection.
Q4. What are the benefits of such extensions?
These extensions can foster creativity across multiple disciplines, enabling data scientists, researchers, and engineers to develop innovative solutions to a wide array of problems, from medical imaging to natural language processing. I think the possibilities are endless here in today’s ever-evolving AI world.
Q5. Is MySQL in its current form a suitable database for AI/ML projects?
While MySQL can serve as a foundational component in AI/ML projects, it is not traditionally optimized for the high-complexity workloads typical of AI/ML use cases. However, with the introduction of MySQL HeatWave, things are changing. HeatWave is an integrated, high-performance analytics engine that enhances MySQL’s capabilities by enabling real-time analytics and machine learning directly within the database. It reduces the need for ETL processes and provides a scalable, cost-efficient solution for AI/ML workloads. With these evolving capabilities, MySQL, particularly with HeatWave, is becoming a more viable option for AI/ML projects.
Q6. Please tell us what do you consider the most effective open-source analytics software?
Besides MySQL, which has been used for OLTP and OLAP systems for many years, ClickHouse stands out as an open-source analytics database designed specifically for high-performance analytics workloads. Its compatibility with MySQL and its growing adoption across industries highlight its effectiveness in this area.
Q7. You are writing a book. Please tell us a but about it.
Thank you for asking this. Both books have already been published.
Database Design and Modeling with PostgreSQL and MySQL: Build efficient and scalable databases for modern applications using open-source databases
This is the most recent book published this year. It has been a challenge to craft an unbiased book that covers not only the most popular database but also other database solutions that would fit the bill. The other challenge was that the content of the book had to be very condensed to give enough information about today’s most popular solutions, from a weekend project to an enterprise solution at scale.
My previous book was MySQL Cookbook: Solutions for Database Developers and Administrators 4th Edition.
This book consists of solutions that directly target developers and administrators to tackle everyday problems. It is an extensive reference with updated content, and it took two and a half years to complete.
There’s little to say, as these books have no monetary expectation while other book ideas are already brewing. They take some time from your work-life balance, but I’m pleased to complete both these books without compromising my sailing life.
Q8. Anything else you wish to add?
Since this interview was initiated by the community and about books, here are the following blogs related to these subjects that readers may enjoy.
This one is for the MySQL Rockstar – My Journey with MySQL Community and Beyond – MySQL Rockstar 2023
These are for the books:
Sailing Through Three Decades of Database Administration: Lessons in Resilience and Innovation
Thank you very much for these wonderful questions.
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Director of Services, Altinity, Inc.
Alkin Tezuysal is the Director of Services at Altinity Inc. He has extensive experience in open-source relational databases, working in various sectors and large functions. With over three decades of industry experience, he has led global operations teams for MySQL customers and users. He’s a known speaker at worldwide open-source database events.
His recent achievements extend into open-source communities: He was awarded Most Influential in Database Community 2022 by The Redgate 100. He has co-authored MySQL Cookbook, 4th Edition 2022, by O’Reilly Media, Inc. He was awarded MySQL Rockstar 2023—Oracle (MySQL Community)—Co-authored Database Design and Modeling with PostgreSQL and MySQL 2024 by Packt.
Sponsored by MySQL/Oracle