What are the major functions of a database administrator

The functions of a database administrator (DBA) include:

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

(ii) Storage structure and access method definition: File organization (sequential, heap, hash, B-tree), organization of records in a file (fixed length or variable length), index definition (ordered index, hash index).

(iii) Schema and physical-organization modification: The DBA carries out changes to the schema and physical organization to reflect the changing needs of the organization, or to alter the physical organization to improve the performance.

(iv) Granting of authorization for data access: By granting different types of authorization, the DBA can regulate which parts of the database various users can access.

(v) Specifying integrity constraints: The DBA implements key declaration (primary key, foreign key), trigger, assertion, business rules of the organization.

(vi) Routine maintenance:

(a) Periodically backing up the database, either onto tapes or remote servers, to prevent loss of data in case of disasters.

(b) Ensuring that enough disk space is available for normal operations and upgrading disk space as required.

(c) Monitoring jobs running on the database and ensuring better performance.