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Database Developer Interview Questions

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Database Developer Interview Questions

When you interview for a job as a database developer, expect the interviewer to assess how you compile a database system that meets the company's needs while also troubleshooting potential issues. Employers seek candidates who have strong problem-solving and organizational skills as well as possess a strong understanding of database systems.

Top Database Developer Interview Questions & How To Answer

Question 1

Question #1: How would you handle data loss during a migration?

How to answer
How to answer: While this is an issue all database developers seek to avoid, it's not always guaranteed that data remains secure when migration occurs. Answering this question lets the interviewer know how you handle challenges and save a company from certain data disasters. You could also mention steps the company could take to prevent data loss before the migration.
Question 2

Question #2: When do you decide certain databases need upgrading?

How to answer
How to answer: With this open-ended question, interviewers will examine your expertise in the industry. You should know specifics about certain programs and how often they need upgrading. Discuss how you work collaboratively and communicate efficiently with management as to when upgrades need to occur.
Question 3

Question #3: How did you overcome challenges on a recent project?

How to answer
How to answer: Even if you have the best plans for a database project, you might come across issues. Give examples highlighting your problem-solving skills and ability to handle a workload. The interviewer will learn how you operate under pressure and troubleshoot any issues.

5,611 database developer interview questions shared by candidates

How would you identify a long running query? How would would find out the execution plan of that query? If you have a SPID how could you see what query that spid was executing? Name the types of waits in SQL-Server? What do they mean? Is there another way besides SQL Server Profiler, Extended Events and Performance Monitor to see waits, I/O, etc? What is the difference between an Implicit and Explicit query in SQL? With a large database using Blobs what sort of configuration changes do you have to make? How do you setup indexing specifically? What steps do you take to tune SQL queries? How would you go about rewriting a poorly performing query? How could you tell where indexes were missing? Why would you choose SQL-Server over Oracle?
avatar

SQL Server Database Administrator

Interviewed at MetLife

3.7★
Apr 20, 2016

How would you identify a long running query? How would would find out the execution plan of that query? If you have a SPID how could you see what query that spid was executing? Name the types of waits in SQL-Server? What do they mean? Is there another way besides SQL Server Profiler, Extended Events and Performance Monitor to see waits, I/O, etc? What is the difference between an Implicit and Explicit query in SQL? With a large database using Blobs what sort of configuration changes do you have to make? How do you setup indexing specifically? What steps do you take to tune SQL queries? How would you go about rewriting a poorly performing query? How could you tell where indexes were missing? Why would you choose SQL-Server over Oracle?

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