Practice
Resources
Contests
Online IDE
New
Free Mock
Events New Scaler
Practice
Improve your coding skills with our resources
Contests
Compete in popular contests with top coders
logo
Events
Attend free live masterclass hosted by top tech professionals
New
Scaler
Explore Offerings by SCALER
exit-intent-icon

Download Interview guide PDF

Before you leave, take this Oracle DBA Interview Questions interview guide with you.
Get a Free Personalized Career Roadmap
Answer 4 simple questions about you and get a path to a lucrative career
expand-icon Expand in New Tab
/ Interview Guides / Oracle DBA Interview Questions

Oracle DBA Interview Questions

Last Updated: Jan 02, 2024

Download PDF


Your requested download is ready!
Click here to download.
Certificate included
About the Speaker
What will you Learn?
Register Now

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, Microsoft 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 Microsoft 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

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."
Create a free personalised study plan Create a FREE custom study plan
Get into your dream companies with expert guidance
Get into your dream companies with expert..
Real-Life Problems
Prep for Target Roles
Custom Plan Duration
Flexible Plans

2. 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.

3. 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.

You can download a PDF version of Oracle Dba Interview Questions.

Download PDF


Your requested download is ready!
Click here to download.

4. 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.

5. 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.

Learn via our Video Courses

6. What are Oracle's disk components?

  1. Redo Log Files.
  2. Parameter files.
  3. Control files.
  4. Data files.
  5. Password files.

7. 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 software.

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.

Advance your career with   Mock Assessments Refine your coding skills with Mock Assessments
Real-world coding challenges for top company interviews
Real-world coding challenges for top companies
Real-Life Problems
Detailed reports

8. 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.

9. 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.

  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.

10. 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.

11. What is the Oracle Grid Architecture?

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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

Oracle DBA Interview Questions for Experienced

1. What Is The Distinction Between Raid 5 And Raid 10? Which Is the Better Option for Oracle?

  • 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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 after the next reboot, storage range will change instantly but rollback after the reboot, and both will alter quickly.

5. Distinguish between the delete and truncate commands.

Truncate command Delete command
Truncate is a DDL command Delete is a DML command
The TRUNCATE command locks the whole table for the deletion of all specified entries the DELETE command is carried out with the assistance of a row lock. When the instruction is executed, every row in the tablespace is marked for elimination.
The TRUNCATE command locks the whole table for the deletion of all specified entries whereas, By using the truncate command we can delete all of the rows in a table  the DELETE command is in charge of eliminating only a single row at a time, rather than removing all of the rows in the table at once. When a row is deleted, its record in the transaction log is logged.
The TRUNCATE TABLE function aids in the removal of all information by making the memory pages free that are used to store the table data. Only the page unassigning is noted in the binary log after completion. Buttons are not triggered since no changes are going to place. TRUNCATE is a Definition Data Language command, therefore it does not affect data instead, it modifies the design and description of the table The DELETE is activated when both NSTEAD OF and AFTER are activated for the DELETE commands in the event of the DELETE command (if present). The DELETE command is a part of DML commands which helps to delete the data present in a row(row-wise). 

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

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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

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

  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.

13. 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How to become an oracle dba?

People with straight software 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.

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

Interview Resources

2. How much does a Database Administrator (DBA) Oracle in India make?

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 often 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.

3. 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.

4. What is the role of DBA in Oracle?

  • Oracle software installation
  • Oracle database creation
  • Upgrading the software 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.

Oracle DBA MCQ

1.

An Oracle instance is made up of which processes?

2.

In an Oracle database, which of the below is the smallest storage unit?

3.

Oracle replicates the actual information before altering it when a transaction updates the database. What is the name of the updated data's original copy?

4.

What is the Oracle database used for

5.

Which of the below is not a feature of the Oracle Database?

6.

Which of the following constitutes an Oracle architecture?

7.

Which of the given is a logical model based on records?

8.

Which of the given is the language used by the program to access information from the database management system?

9.

Which of these database models is the oldest?

Excel at your interview with Masterclasses Know More
Certificate included
What will you Learn?
Free Mock Assessment
Fill up the details for personalised experience.
Phone Number *
OTP will be sent to this number for verification
+91 *
+91
Change Number
Graduation Year *
Graduation Year *
1994
1995
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
2001
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
*Enter the expected year of graduation if you're student
Current Employer
Company Name
College you graduated from
College/University Name
Job Title
Job Title
Engineering Leadership
Software Development Engineer (Backend)
Software Development Engineer (Frontend)
Software Development Engineer (Full Stack)
Data Scientist
Android Engineer
iOS Engineer
Devops Engineer
Support Engineer
Research Engineer
Engineering Intern
QA Engineer
Co-founder
SDET
Product Manager
Product Designer
Backend Architect
Program Manager
Release Engineer
Security Leadership
Database Administrator
Data Analyst
Data Engineer
Non Coder
Other
Please verify your phone number
Edit
Resend OTP
By clicking on Start Test, I agree to be contacted by Scaler in the future.
Already have an account? Log in
Free Mock Assessment
Instructions from Interviewbit
Start Test