Burr Sutter, a software engineer at Red Hat, shares his journey from a theater enthusiast to a programming expert, inspired by his family's Kona coffee farm. He dives into Java's evolution, contrasting it with C# while highlighting the impact of Docker and Kubernetes. Burr discusses Quarkus' fast startup capabilities, its compatibility with legacy apps, and Java's enduring appeal, showcasing its 'write once, run anywhere' principle. He also explores his current interests in language models and GenAI, connecting technology and heritage in a memorable conversation.
Burr Sutter's journey began with an IBM PS/2 386SX funded by his grandparents' Kona coffee sales, illustrating the importance of nurturing family connections in pursuing passions.
Transitioning from theater to technology, Burr developed a fascination for programming, showcasing the role of unexpected inspiration in career changes.
His work at JBoss and Red Hat highlights the significance of open-source innovation, demonstrating the shift to modern technologies like Kubernetes and Quarkus in the software industry.
Deep dives
Burr Sutter's First Computer and Its Significance
Burr Sutter recalls his first computer, an IBM PS2 386SX, which he acquired with the help of his grandparents from Hawaii. They provided funds by selling coffee beans, highlighting the family’s connection to coffee farming. This computer, purchased around 1990 for school purposes, became a cherished item for Burr, allowing him to learn and explore the world of computing. This early experience laid the foundation for his lifelong passion for technology, despite not initially planning to pursue a career in it.
From Theater Aspirations to Tech Career
Initially aspiring to work in theater, Burr's journey shifted dramatically after he discovered computer programming. It was a chance remark from a friend's sister about being a computer programmer that inspired him to delve into computing. With the encouragement of a teacher who offered after-school computer classes, Burr began teaching himself C programming and started building projects. This unexpected turn led him to develop a fascination for creating software, allowing him to merge his creativity with technology.
C Programming and Early Software Projects
Burr's early programming experience involved creating a mini-database engine and a basic GUI tool using C. These projects illustrated his ability to build complex systems independently at a young age, showcasing his problem-solving skills and creativity. His experiments with technology, including the design of a menuing system operating in DOS, emphasized his interest in making computing more accessible. This hands-on approach to learning solidified his desire to pursue a future in programming and software development.
The Impact of Growing Up in Hawaii and Alabama
Burr's unique upbringing in both Hawaii and Alabama provided him with diverse perspectives on cultural and societal issues, such as racism. Growing up in Hawaii offered him a deep appreciation for nature and the environment, which he actively engaged with through snorkeling and other outdoor activities. His experiences in Alabama exposed him to contrasting views and ways of life, influencing his character and outlook. This blend of backgrounds enriches his understanding of the tech industry, where diversity and adaptability are crucial.
Journey Through Technology Careers and Open Source
Burr's career trajectory has seen him move through various roles and technologies, notably at JBoss and now at Red Hat. He initially focused on enterprise software, middle-tier integration, and application server technologies. Burr was instrumental in adopting and promoting open-source projects, demonstrating their practicality and accessibility. His involvement in transitioning traditional frameworks to modern standards like Kubernetes and Quarkus highlights his commitment to innovation and efficiency in software development.
first computer: IBM PS/2 386SX funded by grandparents' Kona coffee sales,
early passion for programming and problem-solving,
self-taught C programming,
database engine development as a student,
transition from theater aspirations to computer science,
work with Progress 4GL and Silverstream,
shift to .net development,
joining JBoss and Red Hat through acquisition,
Mark Fleury's impactful "free don't suck" presentation,
evolution of Java application servers and middleware technologies,
enterprise service bus and SOA,
impact of docker and kubernetes on the industry,
Red Hat's adaptation to cloud-native technologies,
development of quarkus,
current interest in language models and GenAI,
Java's longevity and adaptability,
Quarkus' fast startup time and compatibility with legacy Java EE applications,
work on Kubernetes and Quarkus,
the importance of Java's "write once, run anywhere" principle,
Java's performance compared to other languages