Database Administrator (DBA)

The main advantage of using database is to have central control of all data and transactions that happen in the database. A user who has the complete central control of the database is called as database administrator. The following are the functions of a DBA.

·         Schema definition: The DBA creates the original database schema by executing a set of data definition statements in the DDL.

·         Storage structure and access method definition.

·         Schema and physical organization modification: The DBA carries out changes to the schema and physical organization to reflect the changing needs of the organization.

·         Granting of authorization for data access: The main function of a DBA is to ensure security of the database by granting access to users. The authorization information is kept in a special system structure that the database system consults whenever someone attempts to access the data in the system.

·         Routine management: The activities of the DBA are periodically backing up of the database, ensuring enough free disk space and monitoring jobs running on the database and ensuring the performance of the system.