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protection for the data that will be stored, there is always a way for something to go bad enough to corrupt or destroy a database. Backups allow for the database to be restored if that happens. This task is usually entrusted to the administrators.

* DDL (Data Definition Language). DDL is how tables, synonyms, indexes and any other database object is defined. This is the bread and butter of administrators and data modelers. It is also widely used by developers.

* DML (Data Manipulation Language). DML is the primary way a developer interacts with the database. The applications almost always use DML to read, insert, update or delete data. A developer who does not know DML is not a database developer. An administrator who does not know DML cannot help developers minimize their impacts on the system or troubleshoot problematic queries.

* System Schema. A schema is an grouped collection of database objects. How they are grouped and accessed varies among database vendors. The System schema is the collection that holds the data about the database - table names, definitions, users, permissions, indexes, etc. Knowing how to work with this schema is one of the major responsibilities of an administrator. Developers can answer a lot of questions using them as well.

There are many more skills and career paths to anybody well versed in using databases. Developers, administrators and data modelers are just the three paths that are the first ones to open up - with most entry-level careers being developers and administrators. Acquiring the skills and knowledge discussed here is a great way to break into a database career. Continued learning and expansion of skills are critical to the long term advancement of that career.

Like most careers it takes time, experience and demonstrated skill to become respected and successful. For those who are up to the challenge, this career choice can be varied and rewarding.

Learn more about this author, Jack Thornton.
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