What is a database administrator?
To start with: what exactly is a database administrator? A database administrator, often abbreviated to DBA, is an IT
professional who knows everything about storing and organizing data. Within this position you develop new databases,
monitor database performance and ensure improvements. You often also make backups to prevent data loss and ensure good security.
This prevents outsiders from easily accessing the information. This is very important because as a database administrator you
often work for companies that store sensitive information, such as personal data.
Database administrators are often specialized in one or more types of databases. Think of the MySQL admin, PostgreSQL admin,
or MongoDB admin. These are all different types of database management systems. Each system works with certain programming
languages, such as C#, Python or Java. A database administrator also uses certain programming languages and writes code in
them to set up or improve databases.
It is obvious that a DBA deals with databases, but what do you do on a daily basis in this position? That just depends on
what the needs are within your company. Does a completely new database need to be set up? Then, as a database administrator,
you first work on programming and implementation. To do this, you write code in the programming language that suits
the new management system. Then you transfer all data from the old database to the new database.
Is there already a database? Then, as a database administrator, you keep an eye on the performance of the database. You look
at speed, storage capacity, security and other important criteria. Do you see areas for improvement? Then you immediately look
for solutions and apply them where possible. You also do this by writing code and adjusting certain parts. Do major improvements
need to be made? Then you think about a solution and provide advice on how to better develop the databases. Sometimes this
results in a large project, which you then work on together with your colleagues.
To ensure that all data is properly stored, as a DBA you also make large backups from time to time and check the security of
the database. You also regularly perform updates to ensure that the system works optimally.