If there is one database that is the backbone of some of the biggest applications in the world – it is MySQL. It is perhaps the world’s most popular open source database. What makes MySQL and the job of a MySQL developer special are the database’s proven performance, reliability, and ease-of-use. These qualities have made it the leading database of choice for web-based applications. It is used by some of the world’s best-known applications that billions of people use every day. Some of the big names on the list are Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Yahoo! And much more.

It is run by Oracle, which makes sure innovation keeps the database the top choice for MySQL developers. It consistently delivers new capabilities to power next generation the web, cloud, mobile and embedded applications.

For those wishing to learn the technology – a MySQL developer is taught how to develop console and web applications using MySQL. The choices of languages you have are PHP, Java, or Python for programming purpose.

There are a number of courses available out there that teach you how to be a good MySQL developer and get ahead in your career. There is ample of documentation available and a MySQL developer can develop an application around MySQL using that. What is challenging is managing the MySQL instances while ensuring performance, availability, and security is not compromised. This is what a seasoned developer is capable of achieving.

When hiring a skilled MySQL developer, you need to make sure he has strong proficiency in MySQL database management. He has decent experience with recent versions of MySQL. Make sure his understanding of things like MySQL’s underlying storage engines, such as InnoDB and MyISAM is good. His abilities should coincide with what you are looking for. Look out of his experience with replication configuration in MySQL.

A good MySQL developer should have the knowledge of de-facto standards and best practices in the database. Check for his proficiency in writing and optimizing SQL statements. Things like – his knowledge of MySQL features, such as its event schedule and his ability to plan resource requirements from high-level specifications is a good indicator of his caliber.

Additionally, look for his familiarity with other SQL/NoSQL databases such as PostgreSQL, MongoDB, etc. Above all, it is important for a good MySQL developer to have good knowledge of limitations in MySQL and their workarounds in contrast to other popular relational databases.