Oracle DBA Interview Questions

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Contents

Oracle DBA Interview Questions for Freshers

1.   What constitutes an Oracle Instance?
2.   What is the distinction between a data block, an extent, and a segment?
3.   What are the different types of Oracle database shutdown modes?
4.   What is the Oracle Grid Architecture?
5.   What are the elements of a logical data model, and how do they vary from a
physical data model?
6.   What is the definition of normalization? What do the various types of
normalization entail?
7.   Why Are Bind Variables Important?
8.   In a company, how does an Oracle DBA position vary from an Oracle Developer
role? Is there any resemblance between these as well?
9.   What are Oracle's disk components?
10.   What is the distinction between a database and an instance?
11.   What occurs when we run an SQL statement in Oracle?
12.   What are the advantages of ORDBMS?
13.   What is a trace file, and how does one make one?

Oracle DBA Interview Questions for Experienced

14.   What is the purpose of a password file, and why is it required?
15.   What is the difference between a cluster and a grid?
16.   What Is The Distinction Between Raid 5 And Raid 10? Which Is the Better Option
for Oracle?
17.   What exactly is a control file?
18.   What does Oracle Home Inventory entail?

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 Oracle DBA Interview Questions

Oracle DBA Interview Questions for

Experienced (.....Continued)

19.   What are the procedures to change the archiving mode of a database from NO
ARCHIVELOG to ARCHIVELOG?
20.   What does the ANALYZE command do?
21.   Explain what exactly the deadlock is?
22.   What exactly do you mean by "recovery catalog"?
23.   Distinguish between the delete and truncate commands.
24.   What is a scope parameter?
25.   What are SNIPPED sessions in a database?
26.   Why does LGWR writes come before DBWR writes?

Frequently Asked Questions

27.   What is the role of DBA in Oracle?
28.   Is Oracle DBA a good career?
29.   How much does a Database Administrator (DBA) Oracle in India make?
30.   How to become an oracle dba?

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Let's get Started
Throughout this blog article, we'll go through the most useful and important
interview questions as you begin your Database Administrators / DBA journey.
Although job learning is a never-ending journey, there are some abilities and
concepts that must be learned right away. We think that early-career DBAs should
gain a complete understanding of how their databases interact with numerous
components, such as the operating system, network, firewalls, server hardware, and
storage systems, to mention a few. Our recommendations will be based on this idea.
In the realm of relational database management systems, Oracle Database, SAP
HANA, Microso SQL Server, and IBM Db2 are all industry leaders (RDBMS for short).
Oracle is ranked #1 among the 390 most famous database systems by DB-Engines
Ranking, closely followed by MySQL and Microso SQL Server. Since Oracle, which
was founded in 1977 by Lawrence J. Ellison, currently offers a diverse array of goods
and services, Oracle Database continues to be the company's cornerstone. In 1979,
the first version was released. 
Before we begin, let’s understand.

What is Oracle?

It's a type of database centre that organizes and handles data. It allows users to save
and retrieve relevant information in a multi-user system so that several clients can
access the same information at the same time. Everything is accomplished while
offering superior results.
Now, let’s move forward to our compiled list of top Oracle DBA Interview Questions
and Answers to help you ace your interview and land your dream job as an Oracle
DBA.

Oracle DBA Interview Questions for Freshers

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 Oracle DBA Interview Questions

1.   What constitutes an Oracle Instance?

1. The SGA is a distributed memory that several programs can use. This section
contains data that the instance needs to function.
2. System Global Area (SGA), a distributed memory space on RAM, and applications
running make up an instance.
3. The running processes are OS processes, and every program in the instance has
a specific role to play.
4. When an instance is "started," it creates the GAS and runs processes.
5. The processes are destroyed and the common memory space is returned to the
operating system when the instance status is "shut off."

2.   What is the distinction between a data block, an extent, and a

segment?
A data block is a database object's basic logical storage unit. As objects expand
in size, they require extra storage in the form of continuous data blocks.
Extents are collections of consecutive data chunks.
When all of an object's extents are gathered together, the segment is
considered.

3.   What are the different types of Oracle database shutdown

modes?
Normal: New connections are not permitted in this option, and the database is
terminated when all sessions quit.
Immediate: New connections are not permitted, and all ongoing operations are
returned.
Transactional: New connections are not permitted, and Oracle will hold until all
current processes have been finished.
Abort: This occurs instantly, although the database is not completely shut down.
When the database is restarted, it will have to conduct a quick restoration. We
can't utilize this in everyday situations.

4.   What is the Oracle Grid Architecture?

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 Oracle DBA Interview Questions

Oracle's grid design combines a huge database server, memory, and connections to
create a customized, as per requirement computing resource for business computing
demands. The grid computing architecture constantly evaluates the consumption of
resources and changes supply accordingly.
You might, for example, run several programs on a grid of numerous connected
database servers. If monthly reports are pending, the database administrator might
automatically supply a dedicated server to that program to manage the growing
demands.
Grid computing employs advanced workload management, enabling programs to
work cooperatively across several servers. As per requirement data processing ability
may be added or deleted, and resources within a region can be provided flexibly. Web
services enable the rapid integration of apps to establish a business.

5.   What are the elements of a logical data model, and how do

they vary from a physical data model?
The following are the elements of a logical data model:
1. Entity - An entity is a type of object that we utilize to store data. It comes with its
own table.
2. Attribute - This reflects the information about the entity we're looking at. It is
recorded as a table column with a particular data type connected to it.
3. Record - A record is a group of all the features associated with an object for a
single condition, expressed in a table as a row.
4. Domain - A domain is the collection of all possibilities for a certain property.
5. Relationship - A relationship between two entities is represented by this object.

6.   What is the definition of normalization? What do the various

types of normalization entail?
It is the process of structuring a relational database's fields and tables to reduce
complexity and dependence. It guarantees that our data is consistent by saving the
memory.

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 Oracle DBA Interview Questions

1. First normal form - Only single (atomic) valued attributes or columns should be
used. A column's values must all belong to a certain domain.
2. Second normal form - It must be written in First Normal. It should also not be
partially dependent.
3. Third normal form - It's in the shape of the Second Normal. It also lacks
transitive dependencies.
4. Boyce and Codd Normal Form - Boyce and Codd is a more advanced variation of
the Third Normal Form. This form is used to deal with anomalies that aren't
addressed by 3NF. BCNF refers to a 3NF table that does not contain several
identical candidate keys.

7.   Why Are Bind Variables Important?

Bind variables are crucial because most database suppliers provide an execution plan
cache, which stores recently processed SQL statements and planning processes for
again use.

8.   In a company, how does an Oracle DBA position vary from an

Oracle Developer role? Is there any resemblance between
these as well?
The Oracle developer is mostly in charge of creating backend applications. The
model data in accordance with business rules. They generate tables, indexes, and
other types of restrictions. They are required to be familiar with SQL and PL/SQL.
These languages are used to create processes. Oracle developers, on the other hand,
are not required to manage the database so ware.
But, an Oracle DBA's primary responsibility is to administer the database, which
covers areas such as doing maintenance to keep the databases operational, taking
backups, maintaining privacy standards, and so on. DBAs are not typically tasked
with writing code. DBAs, like developers, are expected to have a strong
understanding of SQL and PL/SQL, as they are also essential for database
administration. DBAs may be allocated development responsibilities or, at the very
least, support developers when needed, depending on the company's structure.

9.   What are Oracle's disk components?

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 Oracle DBA Interview Questions

1. Redo Log Files.

2. Parameter files.
3. Control files.
4. Data files.
5. Password files.

10.   What is the distinction between a database and an instance?

The physical files that hold the data and information that compose up a database are
referred to as database files. The control files, data files, and redo log files are among
them.
Whereas, The storage that is distributed and accessible by all threads and
background processes is referred to as an instance.

11.   What occurs when we run an SQL statement in Oracle?

At the very beginning, it validates the syntax and semantics in the cache of the library
before creating a blueprint.
Data will be automatically returned to the client if it is already present in the buffer.
If the data is not present in the database, it will go to the data files and store it in the
database buffer cache, then transmit it to the server, which will then deliver it to the
user.

12.   What are the advantages of ORDBMS?

The items themselves can be saved in the database. The DBMS language can be used
with an OOPs language. The language used in the program may even be the same,
removing the need for the developer to have two versions of his objects.

13.   What is a trace file, and how does one make one?

A trace file can be created for each server and backend process. When a process or
user process detects an operational fault, it spills data about the bugs to its trace.
This information can be used to fine-tune the database.

Oracle DBA Interview Questions for Experienced

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 Oracle DBA Interview Questions

14.   What is the purpose of a password file, and why is it

required?
The credentials of the database users are saved in the database's data dictionary.
When the user tries to request access to the database, it compares the user's account
and passcode to the data contained in the database. Once The user is only allowed
database access if the account and passcode match. We can access the data
dictionary as long as the database is open.  This dictionary also contains the
credentials for admins. You can't access the dictionary once the database is shut
down. Because starting up a closed database is one of the executive's jobs, there has
to be a means for admins to login into the database even when the server is down. 
A password file is a distinct OS file that is kept on a disc and is not connected to the
server. It stores the login details for SYSDBA and SYSOPER clients. While the database
is offline, the password file is used to verify admins with those rights.

15.   What is the difference between a cluster and a grid?

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 Oracle DBA Interview Questions

1. Grid architecture can be built by using the famous technology known as

clustering. The cluster provides static resources dedicated to certain
applications and owners. Grids, which can be made up of numerous clusters, are
resource provisioning pools that can be used by a wide range of applications and
users. A grid does not presume that all of its servers are performing the same set
of apps. Applications can be planned and transferred among grid servers.
2. Grid computing is, at its most basic level, processing as a service. If we talk in
simple terms, it doesn't matter where your data is stored or your request is
handled by which machine. You must be able to fetch data or computations and
have them provided anytime and as much as you desire. This is similar to how
power systems function in that you don't know where the generator is or how
the grid is wired, all you have to do is ask for power and it will be provided. The
objective is to turn computers into a utility, a commodity, and something that
everyone has access to. As a result, the moniker 'The Grid' was coined. This is, of
course, a "client-side" approach to utility computing.
3. The grid is all about the distribution of the resources, data exchange, and
reliability from the "server-side" or the backend. Resource allocation guarantees
that people who require or seek resources receive them and that assets are not
unused while demands go unmet. Information sharing ensures that users and
applications have access to the information they require, and when they require
it. High availability characteristics ensure that all data and computations are
always available, similar to how a utility provider ensures that electricity is
always available.

16.   What Is The Distinction Between Raid 5 And Raid 10? Which

Is the Better Option for Oracle?

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 Oracle DBA Interview Questions

Striping with an additional drive for parity is what RAID 5 is all about. If we
damage a disk, we may rebuild it from the parity disk.
RAID 10 mirror pairs of drives before striping over those mirrors.
RAID 5 was developed at a time when drives were costly. Its goal was to deliver
RAID on a budget. If a disk stops working, the IO module will function VERY
slowly while it is being rebuilt. Furthermore, with all of the increased weight of
the rebuild, your likelihood of failure increases considerably during this period.
RAID 5 is sluggish for everything except reading even when it is running properly.
Given that, plus the fact that databases (particularly Oracle's redo logs) continue
to suffer write activity at all times, we should avoid RAID5 in all but the odd
database that has primarily read activity. Redo logs should not be placed on
RAID5.
RAID10 is just all-around awesome. If you lose a single disk in a set of ten, for
example, you might lose any of the remaining eight disks and be OK.
Furthermore, because you're only creating a mirror duplicate, rebuilding has no
influence on productivity. Finally, RAID10 performs admirably in all sorts of
databases.

17.   What exactly is a control file?

1. It's a two-part file that contains data in the database's physical form.
2. You can remove the probability of crashing with the assistance of the control
file.
3. It contains information about the database name, checkpoint, duration, and the
presence of multiple log files.
4. The CONTROL FILE argument, which stores information about the control file,
makes it simple to locate it.
5. To avoid the problem related to a corrupted file, it is preferable to make
numerous copies of the control file.

18.   What does Oracle Home Inventory entail?

Any specified object in a database that would be used to keep or dataset is referred
to as a database object. Views, clusters, tables, sequences, indexes, and synonyms
have come under database objects.

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 Oracle DBA Interview Questions

19.   What are the procedures to change the archiving mode of a

database from NO ARCHIVELOG to ARCHIVELOG?
1. The database instance should be shut down.
2. Make a backup of the database.
3. Perform any actions that are particular to your operating system.
4. Start a new instance and load the database, but don't open it yet.
5. Change the archiving mode of the database.

20.   What does the ANALYZE command do?

1. It is used to get statistics on the optimizer's objects and record these in the
database.
2. It is used to remove information from the database about the information used
by the database.
3. It is used to ensure that the object's structure is correct.
4. It is used to get the table or cluster's imported and linked rows.

21.   Explain what exactly the deadlock is?

Deadlock occurs when two operations are trying to change rows of a table that are
restricted by the other operation. This is frequently caused by failure to issue
adequate row lock requests. This condition can be caused by a poorly designed UI
application, and the server's productivity will suffer as a result. When a
commit/rollback action is conducted, or either of these programs is stopped outside,
these restrictions will be freed immediately.

22.   What exactly do you mean by "recovery catalog"?

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 Oracle DBA Interview Questions

RMAN uses a database structure called a recovery catalog to hold information from
Oracle databases. The catalog is usually kept in a separate database. A recovery
catalog adds repetition to the RMAN library contained within every destination
database's control file. It acts as a backup metadata store. Even if the destination
control file and all duplicates are deleted, the RMAN information remains in the
recovery catalog. A recovery catalog adds repetition to the RMAN library contained
within every destination database's control file. It acts as a backup metadata store.
Even if the destination control file and all duplicates are deleted, the RMAN
information remains.

23.   Distinguish between the delete and truncate commands.

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 Oracle DBA Interview Questions

Truncate command Delete command

Delete is a DML
Truncate is a DDL command
command

the DELETE
command is carried
out with the
assistance of a row
The TRUNCATE command locks the
lock. When the
whole table for the deletion of all
instruction is
specified entries
executed, every row
in the tablespace is
marked for
elimination.

the DELETE
command is in
charge of
eliminating only a
The TRUNCATE command locks the
single row at a time,
whole table for the deletion of all
rather than
specified entries whereas, By using
removing all of the
the truncate command we can delete
rows in the table at
all of the rows in a table 
once. When a row is
deleted, its record in
the transaction log
is logged.

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 Oracle DBA Interview Questions

24.   What is a scope parameter?

There are various parameters that may be changed flexibly while using spfile. That is
the most significant advantage of spfile over pfile. Every value that you change when
the database is operating can have one of three scope values: spfile, memory, or
sometimes both. S cope of the Spfile will alter a er the next reboot, storage range
will change instantly but rollback a er the reboot, and both will alter quickly.

25.   What are SNIPPED sessions in a database?

Connections that surpass the given time are noted as clipped. When the client
exceeds the normal time limit, the Oracle-level operations are removed, but the OS-
level processes remain.

26.   Why does LGWR writes come before DBWR writes?

Transaction recordkeeping is more significant than transaction processing in general.
Assume we have repeated entries on disk and a power interruption occurs.  The
transactions can then be recovered by retrieving the redo logs on the disc. This
method makes redo logs persistent first, and then temporary blocks are sent to
storage.

Frequently Asked Questions

27.   What is the role of DBA in Oracle?

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 Oracle DBA Interview Questions

Oracle so ware installation

Oracle database creation
Upgrading the so ware and database to the current version levels
Turn off and on the database
Handling the storage architecture of the database
User management and protection
Taking care of schema objects like tables, indexes, and views
It helps to backup data and, if necessary, execute database restoration
Analyzing the database's quality on a regular basis and taking preventative or
remedial action when needed
Performance tracking and tweaking
You could be the only individual doing these duties in a small to medium
database environment. The position is frequently shared among numerous
DBAs in big business systems, each with their particular area of expertise, such
as database security analyst or database performance specialist.

28.   Is Oracle DBA a good career?

Database administration, particularly in Oracle databases, is really a major and
critical component of the work. According to today's market boom, the
administrative position in the database, especially in Oracle, has already climbed
11%, which is much greater than that of other accessible occupations. The
professional applicant is never able to consider their profession since they are so
eager to state that they can simply claim their industry worth from IT Companies. 
Mostly all IT businesses place a high value on those individuals who can keep their
own systems running well.

29.   How much does a Database Administrator (DBA) Oracle in

India make?

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 Oracle DBA Interview Questions

Without even a formal qualification, an Oracle database administrator can earn any
income. A student with a valid Oracle credential is not guaranteed a high package
compensation. There are different sorts of packages in the contemporary business,
one is provided directly by Oracle, while the other is provided by IT organizations that
require this type of administrative assistance for their own platform. Pay o en ranges
from $90000 to $180000, depending on the variety of certifications supplied by the
oracle. Oracle qualifications for professionals, masters, and specialists will be
developed for various types of pay in their future positions. However, a candidate
should be more worried about the variety of updates and being recognized in
advanced training. Based on that salary will be very attractive.

30.   How to become an oracle dba?

People with straight so ware engineering experience are more likely to transition
into this type of administrative function. Very strong knowledge is essential for this,
as this type of position is not cracked by everyone. 
You must understand and have absolute trust in SQL and PL/SQL, which is standard
program code accessible for Oracle databases. Moreover, the applicant must
understand how the table was constructed within the system, the definition of
tablespace, how to recreate and address certain extremely crucial query tuning
issues, correct indexing, and how to preserve the required consistency for a whole
database. 
As a database administrator license is generally granted depending on any edition,
the applicant should always update himself with any latest iteration of the database
released by Oracle.

Conclusion

One of the most prominent database management systems is Oracle Database.

Oracle is one of the top critical databases in the industry, used by the majority of
organizations. As a result, being one of the administrators in that Oracle database is
always a professional achievement for that individual.

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 Oracle DBA Interview Questions

There is nothing to question that a person with Oracle certification would never be
unemployed in today's market.

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