Database Administration

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ColemontHD

Banned
Oct 4, 2006
477
0
0
Guys, I know this may be an strange question, but please bare with me.

I had a meeting with my boss yesterday concerning different projects I am working on for our company. We got into a discussion about my future here and wanted to know where I wanted to go with the company. I suggested things I liked, and asked what positions might be open and what not. He said with my ability to really want to know how things work, use that towards a project, he wants to train me in the way of becoming our companies first DBA (Database Admin). He also wants me working with SQL, which I can learn as well.

My question is - Where do I start? Do you guys recommend a certain way of training myself with books, app's, etc? If so, what books and app's do you suggest? I am a very self taught person when it comes to this industry. Please help me out! I am open to any suggestions, I am willing to do whatever it takes to get the training and understand of what is needed to do this job.
 
pontifex

pontifex

Lifer
Dec 5, 2000
43,804
46
91
i'm not baring anything with you, plus its too cold out to be baring anything.
 
amdskip

amdskip

Lifer
Jan 6, 2001
22,530
13
81
Interesting question, I've taken a database class but I'd like more hands on of real world databases.
 
Chaotic42

Chaotic42

Lifer
Jun 15, 2001
35,380
2,501
126
I bought a crappy SQL book (Which I've only skimmed at this point), but almost every snippet of code has a big "My SQL" with an X through it indicating that it won't work properly in MySQL.

My company uses Informix, so I'm going to be staying away from MySQL if it isn't compatable. Just a heads up. I'm no DBA, so I can't really compare MySQL to anything else.
 
Linflas

Linflas

Lifer
Jan 30, 2001
15,395
78
91
You can download Oracle and set it up on an old machine if you have one around. Nothing better than hands on tinkering IMHO.
 
C

Chrono

Diamond Member
Jan 2, 2001
4,959
0
71
Being a Database Administrator sucks some big donkey balls. Some boring ass work there my friend.

That being said you can get paid some money though.
 
M

Martin

Lifer
Jan 15, 2000
29,178
1
81
Well, you can learn by doing, but that's not so great - as time goes on and you look back you'll notice too many mistakes and stupid things you shouldn't have done.

I'd recommed studying the theory, either first or along side playing around with it and doing small projects. You can find Database Management Systems by Ramakrishnan online and there's always MIT's Open Courseware http://ocw.mit.edu/OcwWeb/Electrical-En...ce/6-830Fall-2005/CourseHome/index.htm

 
A

aceO07

Diamond Member
Nov 6, 2000
4,491
0
76
Learn the basic SQL commands. - This information is free and easy to find on the web.
Install SQL DB software and try what you've learned. - Practice and learn the concepts.
Find out what projects you will be involved in as DBA and see what skills you'll need. - Learn those skills.
 
yllus

yllus

Elite Member & Lifer
Aug 20, 2000
20,577
432
126
I'd definitely not start with learning SQL. That's not where your usefulness as a DBA will be. You can hire a university student to write SQL scripts for you.

You want to start by learning database theory - specifically relational and object oriented. Once you know how to properly structure a database given some business requirements, you've got a good start.

Next you'll want to figure out what DBMSes are best in what environments, and get into the world of tweaking. MySQL is interesting; free, robust (as of v4) and even now supports clustering. MS SQL Server 2005 would be something new you could jump into as well.
 
R

randay

Lifer
May 30, 2006
11,018
216
106
read a book, then apply what youve learned to a real world application, perhaps a personal project. then repeat that process until youve got enough skills to do your job.
 
W

WildHorse

Diamond Member
Jun 29, 2003
5,006
0
0
My question is - Where do I start?
Click to expand...
Where you start doesn't even involve using a computer at all.

You start by learning database normalization.
That may look simple the first time you read through it in some textbook, but in the real world it isn't so easy. Getting all the levels of normalization right i like a big logic puzzle.

Include how to model hierarchical data, and all diverse kinds of relationships.

Doesn't matter which RDBMS you end up using, understanding of normalization is generic to all.

Next you can learn SQL, which is easy. Different RDBMS brands have their nuances as to how SQL commands work, but overall it's pretty generic.

Recommended: Any book by Rick F. van der Lans in Europe,

and of course all the bookstores have the Paul DuBois books which are excellent too.

You have it within you!
 
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creedog

Golden Member
Nov 15, 1999
1,732
0
0
I get all my computer books used from Amazon. Check it out.
I would sugguest picking up a book on database theory, becuase first you are going to need to understand what a database "is"
Then I would pick up a book on PL/SQL, which is just the basic language of sql. The inserts, select statments, the queries, how to use sqlplus...blah blah. Then I would install some sort of database on a test box that you have access to. I would suggest learning on linux or unix of you have the chance.
Then I suggest getting books on specific database apps such as oracle, mssql, and mysql...

 
A

Apathetic

Platinum Member
Dec 23, 2002
2,587
6
81
See if there's a university or community college nearby which has a database course.

Dave
 
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