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Database Administrator (DBA) in DBMS

DBMS | Database Administrator (DBA): In this tutorial, we will learn what is a database administrator, what are the functions of a database administrator. By Anushree Goswami Last updated : May 26, 2023

What is a Database Administrator (DBA)?

To use the Database Management System, it is necessary to have central control over data and programs together in order to access such data. A person who has central control over such system is referred to database administrator (DBA).

Functions of Database Administrator (DBA)

The following are the functions of database administrator (DBA):

1) Schema definition

By executing set of data definition statements, DBA creates the original database schema in DDL. It stores the structure of the database and provides the method to access definitions.

2) Schema and physical-organization modification

To replicate the changing needs of the organization or to modify the physical organization to advance its performance, DBA brings out changes in the schema.

3) Granting of authorization for data access

To access various parts of the database by different users, authorization needs to be granted, which can be done through DBA. The information about the authorization is kept private within the special system structure such that when an attempt is made to access the data in the system, the database system consults it with DBA.

4) Routine maintenance

Routine maintenance activities can be done through various methodology:

1. By backing up the database periodically, over tapes or remote serves in order to prevent the loss of data in case of any disaster as such earthquakes occur.
2. By ensuring free disk space in the tapes or remote servers that is required for normal operations, and also keep updating the disk space in a certain interval of time.
3. By monitoring the jobs running over the database and to ensure the reliability and performance even if the tasks submitted by the users are highly expensive.