Worked on the apache/pinot repository to enhance backend reliability by addressing a critical issue in broker list retrieval. Focused on API integration using Java, the developer updated the PinotConnection API to append a query parameter that filters for ONLINE brokers only. This adjustment ensured that only active brokers were included in query operations, effectively preventing failures caused by dead or unresponsive servers. By directly linking the fix to root causes and related issues, the work improved production query stability and cluster uptime. The contribution demonstrated a methodical approach to backend problem-solving and a clear understanding of distributed system reliability challenges.