Difference between DBA and Database Engineer

Key Difference: D.B.A. refers to database administrator. He is mainly responsible for settings and management tasks related to a database. The maintenance, optimization, recovery, etc., are included in the profile of a Database Administrator. Database Engineers are often referred to as Software Application Developers or Computer Software Engineers. They develop databases for various applications. Generally, a Database Engineer also works as a Database Administrator or supervises a Database Administrator.

Database Administrator (D.B.A.) is a popular profile in context to an information system. A D.B.A. deals with the management of a database. He is immensely involved in the tasks related to the administration, maintenance, management of backups, performance tuning and in the recovery of data. To understand the role of a D.B.A., one must be familiar with the term ‘database’. Database is actually a collection of information that is organized in tables. The data is generally centralized in databases so that it can be arranged and managed independently of applications.

A D.B.A. can also be referred to as a Database Coordinator, Database Programmer or Database Engineer. It totally depends upon the company to choose the name of the profile among these options. The company may also have both a D.B.A. and a Database Engineer, with somewhat related duties and tasks. D.B.A. sounds more of a management profile. On the other hand, Database Engineer sounds more of a technical profile.

A Database Engineer focuses more on the development of large and complex databases. To enter the field, one must have knowledge of software engineering. Database Engineers ensure the proper functioning of a database. A Database Engineer must be familiar with the programming concepts. A Database Engineer defines the entities like tables, indexes, view, triggers, etc. He focuses on the creation of logical and physical models of the data. It is important to mention that generally, a Database Engineer also works as a Database Administrator or supervises a Database Administrator.

Comparison between D.B.A. and Database Engineer:

 

D.B.A.

Database Engineer

Full form

Database Administrator

-

Other names

Database Coordinator or Database Programmer or Database Engineer.

Software Application Developers or Computer Software Engineers.

Definition

A Database Administrator is the one who is basically responsible for managing the databases. A D.B.A. is associated with the design, implementation, maintenance and repair related tasks of an organization's database.

A Database Engineer develops databases for various applications. Generally, a Database Engineer also works as a Database Administrator or supervises a Database Administrator.

Usage of Term

To define the management aspect of the profile

To define the technical aspect of the profile

Key duty

Is responsible for the performance, integrity and security of a database.

Is responsible for creating the logical and physical models of the data.

Duties

  • To establish the needs of users and monitor the user-access model.
  • To secure the database.
  • To monitor the performance and manage parameters. to provide fast query responses to front-end users.
  • To synchronize the conceptual design with the actual database.
  • To enhance and refine the logical design of the database
  • To take care of the system storage requirements.
  • To update the database by installing and testing new versions of the D.B.M.S.
  • To prepare the documentation related to the database.
  • To ensure the integrity of a database.
  • To control access permissions and privileges.
  • To develop and manage back-ups.
  • To construct recovery plans.
  •  To assist in design and development of database systems.
  • To develop databases functions, scripts, stored procedures, etc.
  • To carry out the database administration related tasks.
  • To create physical and logical database models according to the business needs or requirements.
  • To provide the technical assistance to sort out the issues related to a database.
  • To mentor database administrators to manage the company databases effectively.
  • To identify the errors and then handle them in a proper way.

 

Role (General)

Comparatively narrow

Comparatively broader

Image Courtesy: technoshf.blogspot.com, work.chron.com

Most Searched in Sports Most Searched Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Most Searched in Education and References Most Searched in Environment
Cigarettes vs Cigar
Synchronous Motor vs Induction Motor
iOS 8 vs iOS 9
Point vs Line vs Plane

Comments

Wow. There are female DBAs... you might want to consider that in future articles. Also, in my mind a Database Engineer doesn't supervise a DBA. I'm not sure if this article might be outdated or fuelled by guess work?

Add new comment

Plain text

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.