Databases & Data Storage
Database Administrator (DBA)
Definition
A Database Administrator (DBA) is an IT professional responsible for the installation, configuration, upgrading, administration, monitoring, maintenance, and security of databases in an organization.
Why It Matters
DBAs are the guardians of an organization's data. They ensure that databases are running efficiently, securely, and reliably, and that data is backed up and recoverable in case of a disaster.
Contextual Example
A DBA for an e-commerce company is responsible for monitoring database performance, tuning slow queries, applying security patches, and managing the backup and recovery plan.
Common Misunderstandings
- The role of a traditional DBA has evolved with the rise of the cloud and DevOps, with many tasks being automated or managed by cloud providers ("NoDBA").
- However, skills in data modeling, performance tuning, and security are still highly valuable.