Interview Question — Introduction your day to activities — NoSQL DBA
Interview Question:
As a Level 1 NoSQL Database Administrator with four years of experience, can you walk us through your day-to-day real-time tasks, particularly focusing on OS monitoring and database-specific monitoring for Cassandra and MongoDB? Additionally, could you elaborate on the operational duties you undertake, such as user management, data export/import, backup/restore procedures, and script execution in production environments? Lastly, how do you handle scenarios involving scaling up and down, node replacement, and troubleshooting node and storage failures?
Answer Introduction:
Absolutely, in my role as a Level 1 NoSQL Database Administrator at TCS, my day typically begins with comprehensive OS monitoring, where I closely track memory, CPU, storage, and IOstat metrics to ensure optimal system performance and resource utilization. Simultaneously, I delve into MongoDB and Cassandra-specific monitoring, focusing on key parameters like connection status, node availability, and read/write latency and OPS. This real-time monitoring allows me to swiftly identify and address any potential issues before they escalate.
In terms of operational duties, I’m responsible for user management, ensuring that permissions are properly configured and maintained across the databases. Data export/import tasks are routine, involving seamless transfer of data between environments while adhering to security protocols and data integrity standards. Backup and restore procedures are meticulously executed to safeguard against data loss, with regular testing to validate the effectiveness of our recovery strategies. Additionally, I regularly execute scripts in production environments to facilitate smooth deployments and operational enhancements.
When it comes to scaling, I have experience in both vertical and horizontal scaling strategies. Whether it’s adding, removing, or replacing nodes within clusters, I approach these tasks with careful consideration of the impact on system performance and data availability. In instances of node or storage failures, my troubleshooting skills come into play, allowing me to swiftly diagnose the issue and implement appropriate remedies, whether it involves node repair or storage replacement.
Overall, my four years of experience have equipped me with the proficiency and agility required to effectively manage the day-to-day operations and challenges inherent in Cassandra and MongoDB environments, ensuring optimal performance and data reliability.
