DBA Interview Questions


Here is a list of frequently asked DBA interview questions. Read the given questions and answers to study the ideal ways of answering technical questions at the interview. First, let us understand how an interview is perceived by an interviewer and interviewee.

Interviews are important for both, the interviewer and interviewee. Candidates believe that the recruiter has a mere job of questioning candidates and making them nervous about the selection process. However, it means a lot more to them. Interviews are a chance to find the best candidate in the market and hire a deserving person at that position. Recruiters have to interview several candidates and judge their strengths and abilities to handle responsibilities. Hence, it is important to question them about the basics and current knowledge of relevant topics. Also, asking them personal questions about their family, interests, career goals and work plans helps them to analyze the potential of the candidate to stay back in the organization and contribute towards its success. Thus, all recruiters make sure that they act strict with all candidates and boost the candidates to give their best at the interviews. On the other hand, the interviewees are no different. In fact, they are more serious and eager towards the interview process since it is a career making decision for them. The only way to win over the recruiter's confidence is to live up to his/her expectations. It means to portray and justify the strengths, abilities and knowledge that the recruiter wishes for the vacant post.

DBA Interview Questions:

  1. What is a database?

    Answer: Database is a storehouse of information that saves and presents data in an organized manner. It allows storing, manipulating and retrieving data. It uses a specific format for saving data and customizing it as required.

  2. As per you, who is the most important user of a database?

    Answer: I believe, everyone is important and responsible for a database. Beginning from a data entry operator, who updates preliminary information in the database, to the planners and CEOs, who analyze the processed information to make decisions, everyone is important. Also, there are analysts and consultants who process the information to draw statistics and find values.

  3. Explain the term deadlock

    Answer: A deadlock is a situation where the operations come to a halt. A condition when two or multiple processes are waiting to operate leads to a deadlock. When one process is running, the command for the other is given; it causes a deadlock and the system stops the operations drastically. This problem is resolved automatically by the system by blocking or killing one of the operations. It is a common problem in a multi-user environment.

  4. What is synonym?

    Answer: Synonym refers to an alternative name for an object. It implies giving short and simple name against a long and complex one which is difficult for users for understand. It is also helpful in hiding the name of the original user. The two types of synonyms are public synonyms, which are accessible to all and private synonyms, which are restricted to one or few users.

  5. Name the different backups available in SQL server

    Answer: The different database backups available with the database server are:

    1. Full database backup
    2. Differential database backup
    3. Transaction log backup
    4. Filegroup backup
  6. Enlist the different types of segments

    Answer: The different types of segment are:

    1. Temp segment
    2. Data segment
    3. Table segment
    4. Index segment

  7. what is Schema?

    Answer: A set of database objects is known as schema. Objects include the areas to store information such as tables, index, and may contain just a definition such as view or synonym.

  8. State the different types of joins

    Answer: The different types of joins are:

    1. Equi joins
    2. Outer joins
    3. Self joins
    4. Inner join
    5. Non equi join

  9. Which elements do a control file contain?

    Answer: A control file contains:

    1. Database name
    2. Backup information
    3. Redologfiles details
    4. Checkpoint information
    5. Tablespace names
    6. Time stamp of creation of data

  10. Differentiate between candidate key, alternate key and composite key

    Answer: Candidate key is the primary key that can identify each row within the table uniquely. In case there are more than one candidate key, only one is the primary key while others are referred as alternate keys. Composite key is a combination of two or more columns.

  11. Define index

    Answer: An index is similar to table of content that helps to retrieve information speedily. Clustered indexes and non-clustered indexes are two types of indexes.

  12. What does the acronym RAID mean?

    Answer: RAID means Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks.

  13. What is a control file?

    Answer: It is a binary file that stores information required to verify and maintain the integrity of a database. It denotes the physical database state.

  14. What qualities are required to be a database administrator?

    Answer: Technical competence and problem solving skills are two main qualities required for a database administrator. A candidate needs to be well versed with the database types, backup options, server operations, troubleshooting errors, etc. Also, strong problem solving abilities are important to ensure that a problem is analyzed, options are sought and the errors are rectified.

    An administrator may be asked to resolve situational problems too. The interviewer may give him/her some situations and ask the steps he/she would take to resolve those situations. The candidate must think over the situation calmly and give the possibilities for solving the problem. The candidate must suggest alternatives and give an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of following each operation. An answer that highlights your analytical skills is sure to appeal to the recruiter.

Candidates are welcome to use this list as guidance for their interview preparation. You are free to prepare similar lists as per your experience and prospective job requirements.


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