What to learn to be a DBA?

What all lanques should I learn?

[bentley coup]

First let me say hi, and I love this site.
Im currently a student preparing to graduate with an Information System Technology degree.I want to eventually become a DBA. My question is about Microsoft SQL Server. In school we have to learn a lot of different programming languages such VB, Java, JavaScript, Php and so on. I like MySQL the most even though it is not technically a programming language per se but a RDMS.

My question to you is do I need to put the majority of my focus on Microsoft SQL Server or what languages are most and lest important to one who is trying to become a DBA?

[LifeinAsia]

I'd say focus on MS SQL Server. The tools with MS SQL should allow you to do the majority of your work without needing any external programming.

If you're going to be interfacing with web sites in addition to DBA work, then it would be good to learn whatever languages you'll be working with on the web side. But more importantly you should focus on the SQL language (i.e., Transact-SQL for MS SQL) itself.

[bentley coup]

Thank you very much. I really respect your knowledge.

[piatkow]

Generically as a DBA you require SQL and DDL, both the basics and the dialect(s) required for your particular job.

You also need a basic understanding of the mechanics of the DBMS that you are working with in order to deal with performance issues. Again there are a lot of basics with are true across platforms.

If you are designing complex databases yourself then an understanding of entity relationship modelling is needed.