SQL Database

Question

Hi, I have zero knowledge about SQL. I will be given a position as a Jr. Database Admin. in 3 months time.

Where should I start to understand how this works?
Which software should I download and use?

Answer 1

Hi, first, congratulations! with minimum knowledge you are very lucky being given a chance, even as Jr. DBA. I hope I get you right, you will start in three months from now? I think you have a chance, just ensure no time is wasted.

I would recommend you to learn SQL practices, hand written preferably, so to get yourself familiar with the language, there are of course "wizards" tools for simplifying the tasks, but using tools you learn less, I made that mistake, though I was then using MS Sql Server instead of MySql.

Don't push too far, you'll never master the language in short time, even those who do that work never stop learning, learn the basics, like how you do backup/restore, standard DDL & DML, stored procedures etc.

(Edit)
What I meant hand written is practice to write SQL scripts, not necessarily by hand, on paper :+)

Hth, best of luck!

Answer 2

@Caleb The roles of a DBA vary from organization to organization. But the following list shows the primary activities that many DBAs are charged with:

Back up and recover the database.
Install and configure Oracle software.
Create new databases.
Design the database schema and create any necessary database objects.
Formulate optimal application SQL.
Ensure database security is implemented to safeguard the data.
Work closely with application developers and system administrators to ensure all database needs are being met.
Apply patches or upgrades to the database as needed.

Answer 3

Fake it til you make it!
Seriously, I would install XAMPP and find simple, introductory YouTube vids to learn the basics. if you have three months then I recommend no fewer than two hours of hard work per day, with one day of eight hours and one day off per week.
Also, if you live near a college, go make friends at the lab. I'm not saying crash a class, but many places like labs and libraries won't say a word if you look and act like you belong. Find like-minded people who want to practice and learn. Good luck, now get to work!

Answer 4

heh, as a senior DB developer, believe me, you dont need to master SQL for dba jr. position. Download MS SQL Express edition and go through all main settings, using books online (msdn) for reference. You need to know security basics (two-level security architecture, credentials, granting permissions). You need to know storage details- mdf, ldf files, mounting, transaction log and temp DB configuration. Autogrowth settings. You need to know backup procedures, simple mode and full recovery. Also learn about activity monitor/extended events to identify head blockers and long and expensive queries. Also DB maintanance is important - index rebuilding or recreating and statistics maintanance. Do not forget starting, stopping and restarting DB services in operational system. That is your road map what to learn, at least you should know basic principles of these tasks.

Answer 5

hello, I do not want to be negative, but in three months you will lack experience. you have to think with the code. you can use SQL manager is easy to use and very intuitive. "If you want to play the last card and bet everything, I support you, but remember that in this, you never finish learning"

Answer 6

you land a job without any knowledge in sql? amazibg! only few company accepts inexperience applicant! but you know, in the previous company I worked in, I have encountered a lot of employees who works as a dba but no experience yet. and they learned! because experience is the best teacher :)
I started as a vb programmer without knowledge in programming. but everyday, I am learning. and curiousity really helps! as long as you have access to google, you can survive. It's hard to understand by just reading but I suggest that you start with the basic. like select, update, delete. You have to know what is a table, a column, a row, a datatype. Start with those :)

Answer 7

@Ipang dang why you leave IT field man. what you do now? 😂 and yeah its relevant cuz it will give him an idea whats he getting into.

Answer 8

@Ipang dang,well best of luck with cookies man 👍👍

Answer 9

Sql is very easy language you can learn it easily within 15 days. All keywords or command are mostly related to our common English language. If you can understand english well you can go and watch newbostom tutorials on YouTube. The tutuor bucky Roberts has done a fantastic job. Watch all the tutorials All the best.

Answer 10

Congrats for the job man 👏👏
from what I know about database subject,you will have to learn few basic things aka roles of a dba
(see roles of DBA on google) know basics of SQL (insert,delete,update,priviliges grant/revoke,making users and knowing some security threats and counter measures etc.
If you cover up that for starters,you will do great.
PS : database is a vast so take your time learning.
All the best 👍

Answer 11

And another +1 for that! but I personally did experience a security breach due to the use of root for production by a junior, it was a nightmare, honestly, had to spend hours Googling on restarting the server skipping privilege check, remove & recreate new root etc. Never will I forget that day :)

Thanks for sharing the points, really cool!

Answer 12

if you got the position under those circumstances, you'll get the language, amigo. just study and practice, and you'll win. congo btw.

Answer 13

@Claudio ERD is one of most annoying things I ever seen 😂

Answer 14

@Ipang hope you wont have to go through that again 😂and best of luck.

Answer 15

@A Penguin, thanks, no worries, I'm not on IT related work anymore now, yet, there's a lesson learned by the nightmare after all. Best of luck for you too mate :)

Answer 16

3 months is enough time if you dont slack off and practice every day remmber sql is easy its not like you are learning haskell or something

Answer 17

@ipang there are still lots of points like backup and recovery,database auditing that need to be mentioned but they show up later on 😂and thanks

Answer 18

@Ipang that would be sql server,mysql and sql server arent same though 😂

@Victor to what @ipang said, sql is language and my mysql is RDBMS

Answer 19

@A Penguin, yes of course mate, but my nightmare happened on MySQL, was just pointing out the importance of privilege & security, as you said before ;)

Answer 20

@A Penguin, +1 on the privilege and security points, you're absolutely right! *thumbsup*