SQL Server Interview Topic 20: Admin Basics for Developers
This topic checks whether you understand enough production administration to work safely with a DBA or senior developer.
You should know the basics of backup, restore, permissions, environments, and monitoring without claiming to be a DBA.
Q135. What SQL Server admin topics should developers know?
Quick interview answer:
Developers should know backup and restore basics, permissions, connection strings, monitoring basics, and release safety. They do not need to manage everything, but they must avoid risky database changes.
Study in detail: Admin and Production Topics - Start with backup and restore basics.
Q136. Why are permissions important?
Quick interview answer:
Permissions control what a user or application can do in the database. Giving too much access is risky. An application account should usually have only the permissions it needs.
Study in detail: Security - This lesson explains practical access control.
Q137. What is the difference between development, staging, and production?
Quick interview answer:
Development is for coding, staging is for testing release-like behavior, and production is used by real users. Production needs more care because mistakes can affect real data and users.
Study in detail: Schema Evolution - This article explains database changes across versions.
Q138. Why should connection strings be protected?
Quick interview answer:
Connection strings may contain server names, usernames, and passwords. If exposed, someone may access the database. Store them securely and do not commit secrets into source code.
Study in detail: Security - This lesson explains database security habits.
Q139. What should you monitor in SQL Server?
Quick interview answer:
Monitor slow queries, blocking, failed jobs, storage, CPU, memory, and error logs. Developers mainly use monitoring to understand application impact and troubleshoot issues.
Study in detail: Monitoring and Performance - This article explains useful checks.
Say clearly: "I know developer-level admin basics, and I work with the DBA for deeper production administration."