Skip to contentSkip to footer

Database Developer Interview Questions

Salaries
Interviews

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.

5,613 database developer interview questions shared by candidates

Tell us about yourself and your experience as a Database Administrator. Why do you want to work for our company? What motivates you in your career as a DBA? Describe a challenging situation you faced as a DBA and how you resolved it. How do you handle stress or tight deadlines? How do you prioritize your tasks when managing multiple projects? How do you keep yourself updated with the latest developments in database technologies? Can you describe a time when you had to work as part of a team? How would your previous colleagues describe you? Where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years in your DBA career?
avatar

SQL Database Administrator

Interviewed at Verizon

3.6★
Oct 1, 2024

Tell us about yourself and your experience as a Database Administrator. Why do you want to work for our company? What motivates you in your career as a DBA? Describe a challenging situation you faced as a DBA and how you resolved it. How do you handle stress or tight deadlines? How do you prioritize your tasks when managing multiple projects? How do you keep yourself updated with the latest developments in database technologies? Can you describe a time when you had to work as part of a team? How would your previous colleagues describe you? Where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years in your DBA career?

Tell me about yourself? Your role as a DBA? Your Day to Day activities? What is difference between oracle SID and Oracle service name? Oracle SID is the unique name that uniquely identifies your instance/database where as the service name is the TNS alias can be same or different as SID. What are the steps to install oracle on Linux system? List two kernel parameter that effect oracle installation? Initially set up disks and kernel parameters, then create oracle user and DBA group, and finally run installer to start the installation process. The SHMMAX & SHMMNI two kernel parameter required to set before installation process. What are bind variables? With bind variable in SQL, oracle can cache queries in a single time in the SQL cache area. This avoids a hard parse each time, which saves on various locking and latching resource we use to check object existence and so on. What is the difference between data block/extent/segment? A data block is the smallest unit of logical storage for a database object. As objects grow they take chunks of additional storage that are composed of contiguous data blocks. These groupings of contiguous data blocks are called extents. All the extents that an object takes when grouped together are considered the segment of the database object. What is the difference between PGA and UGA? When you are running dedicated server then process information stored inside the process global area (PGA) and when you are using shared server then the process information stored inside user global area (UGA). What is SGA? Define structure of shared pool component of SGA?
avatar

Senior Oracle Database Administrator

Interviewed at Wipro

3.6★
Jul 1, 2018

Tell me about yourself? Your role as a DBA? Your Day to Day activities? What is difference between oracle SID and Oracle service name? Oracle SID is the unique name that uniquely identifies your instance/database where as the service name is the TNS alias can be same or different as SID. What are the steps to install oracle on Linux system? List two kernel parameter that effect oracle installation? Initially set up disks and kernel parameters, then create oracle user and DBA group, and finally run installer to start the installation process. The SHMMAX & SHMMNI two kernel parameter required to set before installation process. What are bind variables? With bind variable in SQL, oracle can cache queries in a single time in the SQL cache area. This avoids a hard parse each time, which saves on various locking and latching resource we use to check object existence and so on. What is the difference between data block/extent/segment? A data block is the smallest unit of logical storage for a database object. As objects grow they take chunks of additional storage that are composed of contiguous data blocks. These groupings of contiguous data blocks are called extents. All the extents that an object takes when grouped together are considered the segment of the database object. What is the difference between PGA and UGA? When you are running dedicated server then process information stored inside the process global area (PGA) and when you are using shared server then the process information stored inside user global area (UGA). What is SGA? Define structure of shared pool component of SGA?

I wasn't asked this question but it came up. With an Internet facing application, it would make more sense to move from single node databases to clustered databases. A single node Oracle database has to be shutdown to perform upgrades and some patches. With an Oracle RAC cluster , rolling upgrades can be performed while still maintain 100 percent uptime. It seems management is favorable to this move but it just doesn't seem to be a priority.
avatar

Senior Oracle Database Administrator

Interviewed at Wolters Kluwer

3.7★
Jan 11, 2017

I wasn't asked this question but it came up. With an Internet facing application, it would make more sense to move from single node databases to clustered databases. A single node Oracle database has to be shutdown to perform upgrades and some patches. With an Oracle RAC cluster , rolling upgrades can be performed while still maintain 100 percent uptime. It seems management is favorable to this move but it just doesn't seem to be a priority.

Viewing 3891 - 3900 interview questions

Glassdoor has 5,613 interview questions and reports from Database developer interviews. Prepare for your interview. Get hired. Love your job.