steps to being a database developer 2

[rouge03]

hello!

I just wanted to ask if anybody here could point me on how to start on being a database developer?

I've been a programmer/analyst for about 9 months now but only had the chance to deal/use databases a few months ago. DB2 in particular. I do simple queries and updates on the db, but most of the time, we have to call or page the DBA to make major changes in them.

I don't really want to become a DBA as I've read in most forums that it tends to become a bore as time goes on. Actually, I already see them to be like that. I came across the term database developer on the net and got curious. I pretty much have an idea of what they do. I was a software engineer for 2 years, but the projects didn't involve DBs.

I've wanted to shift from PL-based programming so I wanted to check out how I could shift to database development.

Any info you can share is very much appreciated. Thanks!

 

[AlexCuse]

first thing I would recommend is reading this:

http://www.r937.com/relational.html

Second thing, you want to learn as much SQL as you can. I made a similar switch (though from QA Analyst, not programmer) a while back, and all I needed was what I learned here:

http://www.sqlcourse.com

When I started working with databases I really liked them and set out to learn as much about them as I could on my own time (because I wanted to work with them more). You seem to be drawn to them as well, so maybe this 'plan' will work for you.

Good Luck!

ALex



Ignorance of certain subjects is a great part of wisdom

 

[mrdenny]

For the record being a DBA doesn't have to be a borring job. I've been a DBA for ~10 years now and wouldn't want to do anything else.

It all depends on what kinds of projects you are working on. If all you are doing is sitting there watching the server run and creating logins then it can get dull. However if you are working a few projects working with developers, specing hardware, running upgrade projects, and the like it can be quite a full and challenging job.

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[chrissie1]

For the record being a DBA doesn't have to be a borring job.

But denny, do you have a real social life?

Christiaan Baes
Belgium

"My old site" - Me

 

[RiverGuy]

If you are a programmer analyst who is exposed to programming software and reports, then try to get the buy-in to start developing projects-the database side included. Although you stated the DBA's must implement most database work, I'm sure you could develop on a development server if one exists at your work. It never hurts to ask if this is what you really want to do. Enough projects, and before you know it, you will have an advanced skillset in database development.

 

[LNBruno]

And if your DBAs won't let you, you could always download a free database like SQL Server Express, MySQL, etc. and use that to learn.

< M!ke >
I am not a hamster and life is not a wheel.

 

[mrdenny]

For the record being a DBA doesn't have to be a borring job.

But denny, do you have a real social life?

I've been married for almost 8 years, so no. I spend all my time out side of work "relaxing" by working on the house.

Kidding aside, as long as nothing as work breaks over the weekend or at night I'm fine. I keep a laptop in the trunk just in case otherwise. And of course my company leash (blackberry).

Denny
MCSA (2003) / MCDBA (SQL 2000)
MCTS (SQL 2005 / Microsoft Windows SharePoint Services 3.0: Configuration / Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007: Configuration)
MCITP Database Administrator (SQL 2005) / Database Developer (SQL 2005)

--Anything is possible. All it takes is a little research. (Me)

http://www.mrdenny.com

 

[rouge03]

Thanks all for your input.

Denny, i apologize for the wrong use of words about the DBA role. To each his own I guess. I don't like doing support although it is mostly what I do now. I want to get a more active role in database design and development.

As for getting involved in db development projects in my current work, that will be quite hard because we already have a lot of DBAs here who would most likely get more involved than me.

I think I'll do the self-study part. I've already downloaded DB2 Personal Edition for practice at home.

My next question then would be, suppose I've already done my homework and getting some skills in DB development, how would I start to work as a DB developer? I'm not sure if companies would be willing to hire me as a DB developer just yet without having actual experience.

As always, your inputs are greatly appreciated.

 

[LNBruno]

One way to get some experience that you could put on your resume is to volunteer for a non-profit organization. Another would be to check out freelance development sites such as guru.com.

< M!ke >
I am not a hamster and life is not a wheel.

 

[Welshbird]

Oracle is free for development use. So you could download the whole lot at home and have a play.

That's what I did, and I'd thoroughly recommend that course of action.

Fee

The question should be [red]Is it worth trying to do?[/red] not [blue] Can it be done?[/blue]

 

[RiverGuy]

Speak to a recrutier. Have him or her on the lookout for programming jobs which are currently qualified for but also have a database development compenent. You can gain experience on the job with something even if it's not your entire job function. Then, later on down the road, you can look into a db developer only role.

 

[rouge03]

Thanks again all for showing me possible paths to take on in this.