-----Original Message-----
From: Philippe Hamel [mailto:hamelph@videotron.ca]
Sent: Friday, August 14, 1998 8:33 AM
To: akaplan@interaccess.com
Subject: Career move
Good morning Mr. Kaplan. Sorry to disturb you but I have a question. I'm
trying to find out as much as I can about the duties of a DBA. I'm
currently applying for a position as a C/C++ programmer but the HR guy at
the company is trying to sell me on the idea of becoming a junior DBA. (I
guess they're hard up) I wonder if I'd be as happy doing the work of a DBA
as I am programming. I've checked http://www.orafaq.org/faqdbacv.htm but
I'd like more details if possible. From my snooping around, I seem to
understand that there is some sort of programming involved to tweak and
improve the DB and create/link applications for/to the DB.
Thank you for your time. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Philippe Hamel
Courriel 1 : philippe.hamel@apiiq.qc.ca
Courriel 2 : hamelph@videotron.ca
WWW : http://pages.infinit.net/hamelph
------- Reply -----------------------
The page at "http://www.orafaq.org/faqdbacv.htm" had the following to say:
DBA Responsibilities:
* Installation, configuration and upgrading of Oracle server software and related products
* Evaluate Oracle features and Oracle related products
* Establish and maintain sound backup and recovery policies and procedures
* Take care of the Database design and implementation
* Implement and maintain database security (create and maintain users and roles, assign priveledges)
* Do database tuning and performance monitoring
* Do application tuning and performance monitoring
* Setup and maintain documentation and standards
* Plan growth and changes (capasity planning)
* Work as part of a team and provide 7x24 support when required
* Do general technical trouble shooting and give consultation to development teams
* Interface with Oracle Corporation for technical support.
This is a pretty accurate description of Oracle DBA duties. The programming comes into play with the backup and recovery scripts. As for tuning, this is a huge thing in itself, and may contain programming responsibilities. Overall, a good knowledge of SQL is required. For a great discussion on this, see "Oracle8: A Beginners Guide" by Oracle Press.
Best of luck,
-Ari Kaplan
www.arikaplan.com
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