Relational Database Administration (DBA)

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/relational-database-administration

Introduction

**Course Review: Relational Database Administration (DBA)** If you're looking to delve into the intricacies of Relational Database Administration and gain a comprehensive understanding of Database Management, the **Relational Database Administration (DBA)** course offered on Coursera is an excellent starting point. This self-paced course is designed to cater to both beginners who are just stepping into the domain of databases and professionals looking to sharpen their skills. ### Course Overview The course begins with a thorough introduction to database management, providing learners with insights into the Database Management Lifecycle, the multifaceted role of a Database Administrator (DBA), and the fundamental principles of database storage. As the course progresses, it transforms theoretical knowledge into practical skills, offering hands-on labs that are essential for mastering database management techniques. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Introduction to Database Management** The first module serves as a comprehensive introduction to database administration. Participants will not only learn about the types of tasks a DBA typically handles but also gain valuable hands-on experience with server objects and configurations. This module establishes a solid foundation, essential for understanding more advanced topics. 2. **Managing Databases** In the subsequent module, the focus shifts to the critical processes of database backup and restoration. Understanding these processes is imperative for any organization, particularly in today’s fast-paced tech environment. The module also covers database security and user management, enabling students to create and manage user accounts, which further enhances their administrative skill set. 3. **Monitoring and Optimization** The third module dives into the realm of monitoring database performance and optimization strategies. Topics like performance metrics, memory usage, and slow query optimization are tackled, offering students insightful techniques to keep their databases running smoothly. The emphasis on updating statistics and indexing further prepares learners to handle real-world database challenges efficiently. 4. **Troubleshooting & Automation** Here, students learn vital troubleshooting processes that will help them tackle common issues that arise in data environments. The module also introduces automation techniques, allowing DBAs to streamline their work processes and improve efficiency. Understanding how to manage alerts and generate reports using Linux and Unix commands is particularly beneficial for those looking to enhance their troubleshooting skills. 5. **Final Assignment and Exam** The culmination of the course is a comprehensive final project that ties together all the concepts and practices learned throughout the course. This three-part assignment involves real-world DBA tasks – from installation and configuration to optimization and restoration of databases – providing an invaluable opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in a practical context. ### Why You Should Enroll - **Comprehensive Curriculum**: The course covers all critical aspects of database administration, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned professionals looking to refresh their knowledge. - **Hands-On Labs**: Practical labs allow students to apply their knowledge in real-world scenarios, reinforcing theoretical understanding with practical skills. - **Flexible Learning**: As a self-paced course, learners can progress at their own speed, making it a convenient option for those balancing work or other commitments. - **Expert Instruction**: The course is designed by industry professionals, ensuring that the content is relevant and valuable in today’s job market. ### Recommendation I highly recommend the **Relational Database Administration (DBA)** course on Coursera for anyone interested in pursuing a career as a Database Administrator or anyone looking to improve their database management skills. The structured curriculum not only equips learners with essential knowledge but also fosters practical expertise through hands-on exercises. Whether you’re starting your career in tech or seeking to advance your professional qualifications, this course will serve as an essential stepping stone in mastering relational database administration. Enroll today and take the first step towards becoming a proficient Database Administrator!

Syllabus

Introduction to Database Management

Welcome to your first module on database administration. During this module, you’ll be introduced to a wide variety of information, including an overview of the types of tasks involved in database management and what a typical workday may look like. You will see that many tasks revolve around activities ranging from designing databases to planning and troubleshooting errors. At the end of the module, there will be several labs where you will gain hands-on experience learning about server objects, configurations, and database objects, including schemas, tables, triggers, and events.

During this module, you will learn how to back up and restore databases. These processes are essential aspects of any organization's health and its ability to respond quickly to changes in the system. Through hands-on labs, you will learn why it is vital to create backups and define policies and procedures. In this module, you’ll also learn about database security and user management, including creating and resetting user passwords, creating groups, and more!

In this module, you will learn how to create and keep baselines, performance metrics, standards, and finally, monitor RAM and disk usage, connections, and cache stats. You will also learn about database optimization, including updating statistics, slow queries, types of indexes, and index creation and usage.

In this module you will learn about some basic troubleshooting processes that help data engineers find frequently occurring issues such as connectivity, login, configuration, and whether the instance is running. You'll also learn how to automate many database functions, from managing alerts to generating and sending reports using standard Linux and Unix shell commands or cron jobs.

In this module, you’ll complete your final course project, which brings together concepts and practices you previously learned in the first four modules. In this three part assignment, you will perform database administration tasks across 3 different databases. You will start by installing and configuring a database, managing users and performing a backup. You will move on to recovery, indexing, optimization and automation of routine tasks. Finally you will restore a database, create an index, create a view and connect to a database from the command line.