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Old 24th December 2008
ocicat ocicat is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Solaris_Delta View Post
My ultimate goal is to become a database administrator.
There are three levels in which tasks can be automated:
  • Tasks from simple to moderate complexity can be scripted through shell scripts. Given that shells capable of executing Bourne shell scripts are ubiquitous throughout all the Unixes, writing to this lowest common denominator is a skill worth learning. It is the first tool you should take off the shelf.
  • However at some point (& you will learn this through experience...), shell scripting will not be able to handle all tasks, or to do so will become quite cumbersome, so reaching for a dynamic language such as Python or Perl will be better choice. As stated before, Python is perhaps easier to learn & read, but the add-on modules to Perl was more mature, & a number of books exist explaining how to use Perl to make database administration easier:

    http://www.amazon.com/Perl-Oracle-DB...0138350&sr=1-1
  • If database applications are either that useful, complicated, or require professional polish, they can or may be required to be written in C/C++, complete with GUI interfaces. However note that GUI libraries are also available for Python & Perl, so the divining point is blurred.
The advise you have received in this thread is grounded. Without a specific problem to solve, you will tire of programming & move to other tasks. If your ultimate goal is to be a DBA, learning shell scripting followed by some of the dynamic languages are skills you will use time & again.
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