What is the Role of a Database Developer?

In most businesses today, there are complex database systems to be developed and managed. These databases are vital to the successful running of businesses and organisations. The task of making sure they are developed effectively, and work as they should, falls to a database developer.

If you are interested in database development, and are thinking of gaining a relevant qualification, such as the Diploma of Database Design and Development, you may want to know more about what the role entails. Let’s take a look at the responsibilities and skills of a database developer.

Responsibilities of a Database Developer

On a day-to-day basis, a database developer has responsibility for designing the database architecture for a business or organisation. In order to do this they need to interact with users and members of the management team, to find out what functionality is required.

Once the architecture is designed, the database developer is responsible for creating manuals regarding its use. They are also responsible for training users and providing any necessary advice and support.

In more detail, the tasks which a database developer is expected to complete include:

• Developing designing and testing databases that meet the needs of the business and the users.
• Maintaining both newly created and existing databases so that they continue to function as they should.
• Creating instructions and manuals on how to access the information contained within the databases, so that it can be used efficiently.
• Working with management, users, and consultants to make sure that databases meet all the needs of the business.
• Training users and management in the use of the databases so that they are utilized to their full advantage.
• Creating all database reports that are required by the business.
• Providing advice and support in other aspects of data management.

It’s easy to see that the role of a database developer is a varied and busy one. In order to undertake this role successfully, database developers need to have a series of skills.

Skills Required by a Database Developer

Being a proficient database developer is not just about having technical knowledge, although that is important. There are other skills that also need to be present. Here are some of the skills that a database developer should have.

• The ability to be proactive in order to make sure that database function is optimized.
• Highly developed problem solving ability. Developers need to be able to rely on this in order to solve database issues.
• Highly developed communication skills. In order to create an effective database architecture, developers need to be able to communicate with users and management.
• The ability to work as part of a team. Even if a database developer works on their own during the technical process they are still a member of a team. They need to be able to work effectively with users of the database system and with members of the management team.
• The ability to create precise documentation. Documenting all aspects of the process is a vital role in database development. The documentation needs to be tidy, accurate and comprehensive.
• High levels of self-motivation. Database developers often work unsupervised when managing and maintaining databases. They have to remain self-motivated in order to ensure that the performance of the databases is optimized.
• The ability to focus on deadlines. Given how important databases are to the successful operation of businesses and organizations, it’s important that database work is completed in a timely manner.

These skills are vital to anyone who wants to be successful as a database developer. There are also qualifications that are often required.

Qualifications and Experience Needed to be a Database Developer

Not every database developer has a degree. Some rely on years of experience and expertise to acquire employment. However, a degree is required for most database development roles. The degree should be in a related subject such as applied mathematics or computer science.

If you are thinking of starting a career as a database developer you will also need to have a good understanding of computer programming and database development. This includes knowledge of the use and creation of oracle reports and SQL statements. It’s important to have all of the required experience and qualifications as there is plenty of competition for every database developer role.

The role of a database developer is a varied one which requires in-depth knowledge and expertise. Developers need to be able to communicate with managers and users to understand the needs of the business. They then need to be able to translate these needs into a database architecture that provides all required functionality. Doing so allows the business to function effectively. Once the architecture is developed the database developer needs to make sure that it’s maintained, to provide a highly efficient service.