What is Oracle DBA?
In this Oracle DBA tutorial, we will learn what exactly Oracle DBA is, its architecture, features, and much more. But for all this, first, we need to know what a database is.
What is a database?
A database (DB) is an organized and structured collection of information that can be efficiently retrieved, updated, and analyzed. A simple VB code, C, Excel, or Notepad might not be able to manage a large number of users and files. Also easy extraction, backup, and restoration of data are not possible with this approach.
To overcome this limitation, Oracle has come up with Oracle Database; it is also called Oracle RDBMS or simply Oracle.
Yes, Oracle DBA is a relational database management system. The main objective of this is to store, manage, and retrieve information efficiently to deliver high performance.
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Oracle consists of various software mechanisms to achieve maximized data concurrency, high performance, and maximum productivity for a multi-user database environment.
Some of the key features of Oracle DBA are as follows:
- Database administration is not the task of a single person but handled by a group of specialists.
- It is the first-ever database suitable for enterprise grid computing.
- It works on grid-based architecture.
In Oracle DBA, below are the basic categories of physical files used to store information:
| File Type |
Description |
| Data file |
Contains the data required to start the database engine |
| Control file |
A storehouse for the metadata of the database used by the Oracle engine |
| Redo log file |
Used to store the changes made to the database |
| Parameter file |
Remains in the machine on which Oracle Database server executes |
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Oracle DBA Terminology
To learn Oracle DBA, it is required to understand the basic terminology used in it. In this Oracle DBA tutorial, next, we have collated the basic terms used in Oracle RDBMS:
- Instance: It is defined as the background process and memory structure used to retrieve data from a database.
- Process: A process, also termed as a task or a job, is a running instance. There are two types of processes in Oracle Database, namely, Oracle processes and User processes. There is no need to use an operating system command to interact with the database.
- Buffer cache: It is an SGA component that acts as a buffer to store the data being customized or queried. It stores the most recently or frequently used data in memory to improve performance. All the user processes that are connected to the database share access to it.
- Shared pool: It captures the information that needs to be shared with users. For example, stored procedures, SQL statements, etc. can be cached for reusability and fast access.
- Redo log buffer: It maintains a log of changes made in the database. Redo log files run in a circular motion and get overwritten. So, to maintain the recoverability of the database for a longer duration, they are archived into archive logs. Therefore, the redo log helps recover an instance when there is a system failure. This improves the performance and functioning of the database system.
- Large pool: It is the optional area that offers memory allocations for large processes, such as recovery operations and Oracle backup.
- Locks: For controlling simultaneous access to data resources, locks are used.
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Oracle Database consists of logical and physical structures. Because these structures are separate, the management of the physical storage of data does not affect the access to logical structures.
The above-mentioned information is required to get a basic understanding of a database. We have tried to cover all the important parameters and terms used in Oracle. Stay with us to learn more from this Oracle DBA tutorial!