Should DBA know to check theres no DB connections before performing a data update

[Old Hack]

Slightly wide eyed

[doodab]

Why would he be expected to check something like that given that

a) he'll need a connection to do the update
b) a large percentage of the complexity in a database system is there because they support multiple concurrent users all of whom can update data simultaneously

[Old Hack]

Surely a DBA has to understand that if he is performing a data update, he can't have users in the system? So surely, he has to check no one is connected, before updating business data?

[stek]

Should DBA know to check theres no DB connections before performing a data update

select machine from v$session; ?

Just about the only useful SQL I know!

[Robinho]

Depends upon the importance/size of the date update.

[Old Hack]

I would have thought their knowledge any data upload fails if there is locks on tables, will mean they check for users.

With this data, you cannot have simultaneous users accessing it.

It's business data, so it's important. It was also on a test system.

Gob smacked the department has been asked to provide, in a deployment note, please remember to check for locks on the database, to a DBA. Gobsmacked.

[doodab]

Surely a DBA has to understand that if he is performing a data update, he can't have users in the system?

Why? With most database systems there are very few operations that require exclusive access. If he's just updating some application data in a table somewhere then it depends 100% on the application whether you can update that data while users are on the system or not.

[doodab]

I would have thought their knowledge any data upload fails if there is locks on tables, will mean they check for users.

Why would they know that when it isn't the case? Most DML will work just fine with other users doing stuff at the same time, that's kind of how databases work and what the locking is there for. Why would they know that your update is special if you didn't tell them? You might also want to consider why your update is special as it might be something you can design out.

[escapeUK]

I get the feeling you are using words you dont really know what they mean. A data update? What? An update query, updating data?

Sigh.

Obviously trying to blame someone for doing something you dont understand. If you are so good, do it yourself next time eh?

[MarillionFan]

Old Hack is correct. The DBA should have dropped all of the users first without telling them & then run the update.