The problem arises because of: 1.Mixing the roles of a database developer and database administrator by the hiring manager or leaders. A developer should not be expected to work as an administrator and vice versa. 2.No knowledge sharing sessions, guidelines and best practices shared by an administrator, which a developer needs to follow. Similarly, lack of understanding of functionality by the administrator. 3.Absence of connect channels, review system and clear communication among the two. In my 11+ years of working as a Database developer, I got opportunities to work with multiple database administrators and when we worked as a team, the deliverables were not only efficient but also optimized.

Developers and administrators work very closely in most organisations, there is often overlap between the job roles of both these positions. Regarding query optimization, both of these roles will be approaching this from different perspectives. It is important to reach an agreement on best practice for SQL query logic, as query structure, ETL processes and data warehouse structure should be consistent where possible. Consistency in queries allows for easier diagnosis when issues arise and for new starters within the team to learn the established database structure. Discuss with both teams to establish a consistent approach to query optimization through shared aims. You should document the discussed approach in organisational guides.

A common challenge is that developers may focus on functionality and efficiency in controlled environments, whereas DBAs deal with real-world production issues, like high loads and performance bottlenecks. These differing perspectives can lead to clashes. To find common ground, it’s essential to collaborate by analyzing and sharing query plans. Comparing the current state with optimized, cost-effective alternatives can provide valuable insights. Regular communication and joint reviews of performance metrics foster understanding and alignment, ultimately benefiting both teams.

Conflicts between DBAs and developers often stem from flaws in the solutioning stage. I’ve faced this on occasion, and proper communication about the customer mission often helps clarify individual roles instead of personal goals. Both roles should collaborate early, aligning on goals with defined database schemas and queries to support the solution. Practices like regular code and query reviews, robust staging platforms, and structured code check-in and deployment processes are essential. Automated or manual CI/CD pipelines for QA, staging, and production can minimize conflicts, ensuring strong integration for successful deployments.