Do DevOps Engineers Need to Know About Databases?

While it’s not always a hard requirement, being knowledgeable about databases can set you apart, especially if you’re looking to move into roles with broader responsibilities. You might even consider working on personal projects to boost your skills while gaining practical experience.

Having a solid grasp of the basics is key. You should be comfortable handling things like automated backups, running application migrations, and managing connections securely. You don’t need to be a database design wizard or an ETL expert, just know enough to support your tasks.

You definitely want to know enough to contribute meaningfully. Establish a good relationship with your DBA team if you have one, and follow their protocols. Being able to perform necessary database operations makes you a more effective team member.

If you’re working in a large company, you might get away with minimal database experience. But at a smaller company, you might need to wear multiple hats, including DBA responsibilities. It really depends on your workplace, but some database knowledge is usually beneficial.

I think if you're in a DevOps role, being comfortable with databases is pretty vital. Even if your main focus is operations, understanding how to manage backups and restorations is a must. It’s part of being a well-rounded professional in the field.