Database developers enable organizations to derive value from the large volumes of data that they amass from customers, the market, and a variety of other sources. The gathering, organization, and analysis of information is crucial to business performance, profitability, and growth — and the appetite for information is unceasing.

Businesses and government agencies need effective data management capabilities to make optimum use of data. Database development is an integral part of data management. Database developers design, develop, code, and implement databases to fulfil business information needs of different organizations. They might also be called database programmers or database designers.

This voracious demand for data has led to a corresponding spike in demand for database developers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not track occupation data for database developers specifically, but it does consider software developers and database administrators. BLS projects 9 percent employment growth per year for database administrators from 2021 to 2031.

Job responsibilities

Database developer is not an entry-level role. Normally, a tech professional needs several years of full-time experience in related IT specializations, such as programming, database application design, data reporting or warehouse analysis, IT analysis, and database administration.

Functions vary based on the size of the organization, business, and the number of IT employees. Small and some medium companies may have one professional handling both database development and administration. Large organizations normally have a number of specialists working on database creation and management.

Typical responsibilities may include any or all of the following:

Understanding information needs — A database developer must become familiar with their organization or customer and the business or other goals that need to be met.

Translating requirements of their employer or client into effective code — It is vital to develop tools and processes that fulfil business information needs. Requirements often change, and it is the database developer’s responsibility to modify database code to serve changing needs.

Designing reliable, efficient and secure databases — Data requirements need to be met, but data must always be available and protected.

Developing code — A database developer writes programs to extract data for various reports and analyses.

Optimizing code — Especially where large databases are concerned, programs must be fine-tuned to enable efficient data analysis.

Programming databases — Databases need to interactive, to allow stakeholders to insert, update, delete, or extract data as required.

Developing tools — A database developer must create interfaces between databases, as well as create tools for working within a database.

Work within employer requirements — Databases must be programmed in accordance with company or client performance parameters and business objectives, as well as rules regarding the handling of data.

Monitoring performance of databases — A developer must make necessary modifications when needed to enhance efficiency and security, as well as optimize output.

Creating and developing business information reports — This part of the job involves providing details of what information a database actually contains.

Advising management — As database technologies evolve, a developer must assess new tools and programming languages and determine whether they should be adopted by the organization.

Streamline processes — A developer must assist with the application of different business solutions and help deploy new applications.

Documentation — All database activity and performance must be tracked (including system modifications), and the developer will also oversee data governance and report generation.

Keep an eye on

Database technologies evolve frequently, making it necessary for database developers to stay abreast of changes in database structures, tools, and programming languages. The most widely used database programming language is Structured Query Language (SQL).  It’s also necessary to keep track of product updates and new releases from your organization’s database management framework provider.

Training and employment background

Typically, employers require database developers to have at least a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, engineering, or a related subject. Taking courses in database programming languages and database frameworks will likely work to your advantage.

It is sometimes possible for IT professionals who have a relevant database certification and years of experience in related areas to land a job as a database programmer or developer in a small organization.

What both degree and certification holders really need, however, is many years of experience in related IT roles and a portfolio of a variety of database projects. Employers want to know whether candidates understand database theory and are skilled in developing customized database programs that serve all business information needs efficiently.

Structured Query Language (SQL) is the main language used for database development. SQL is used to communicate with databases. It is necessary to have in-depth understanding and hands-on experience working with SQL.

Employers will also require thorough proficiency in whichever database package they use. The most widely used frameworks are from Oracle, Microsoft, and IBM. Large companies normally use Oracle or Microsoft SQL Server. You will also need to be conversant with database tools such as Integrated Development Environment (IDE).

Additionally, database developers need to be able to solve complex problems, communicate technical processes in accessible language to non-technical users, and understand business domains. You will need to know how to design and develop a customized database for specific organizations and markets.

Certification

If you don’t have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, information technology, engineering or a related subject, you will likely need a relevant certification to start off as a database developer.

Popular certifications include:

Oracle Database Certified SQL Associate

The Oracle Database Certified SQL Associate credential validates understanding of core SQL concepts necessary to work on Oracle Database server projects. The certification exam is designed to assess a candidate’s level of knowledge of SQL language, data modeling, and the ability to use SQL to make and manipulate tables in an Oracle database.

Additional information is available online.

Oracle Database Certified PL/SQL Professional

This certification demonstrates knowledge and skills in developing database centric Internet applications for Oracle Database 10g, 11g and 12c. To earn this certification, you need to pass the Oracle Database 12c SQL 1Z0-071 exam. This exam is validated for Oracle Database version 19c.

Additional information is available online.

Microsoft Certified Azure Data Engineer Associate

The Microsoft Certified Azure Data Engineer Associate certification is designed for data engineers who work on the Microsoft Azure platform. This credential demonstrates knowledge of SQL, Python and Scala, data processing development, data storage design and implementation, and data processing and storage optimization, security, and monitoring. You need to pass the DP-203: Data Engineering on Microsoft Azure exam to earn this certification.

Additional information is available online.

Microsoft Certified Azure Data Fundamentals

This is an entry-level certification for IT professionals looking to work with data in cloud environments. The Microsoft Certified Azure Data Fundamentals credential validates basic knowledge of core data concepts, relational and non-relational data on Azure, and analytics workloads on Azure. To earn this certification, you need to pass the DP-900: Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals exam.

Additional information is available online.

IBM Associate Certified DBA - Db2 12 for z/OS Fundamentals

This entry-level certification from IBM is designed for professionals who work on Db2 12 for z/OS. The IBM Associate Certified DBA - Db2 12 for z/OS Fundamentals credential validates knowledge of the core concepts of Db2 12 for z/OS, intermediate expertise in routine database administration functions, understanding of basic SQL, database creation and database objects, and security. To earn this credential, you need to pass the C1000-122: Db2 12 for z/OS DBA Fundamentals exam.

Additional information is available online.

The Institute of Certification for Computing Professionals (ICCP) offers a few vendor-neutral credentials, namely Certified Data Professional (CDP), Public Sector Data Governance Professional (PSDGP), and Certified Big Data Professional (CBDP).

Prospects for experienced database developers look promising. With the right qualifications and experience, one can advance to the role of a data architect, big data engineer, or CIO.

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