SQLDBA is an Oracle-supplied utility program that is similar in function to Server Manager. SQLDBA was supplied with Oracle Version 6, but was made obsolete with the introduction of Server Manager with Oracle7 Version 7.0. SQLDBA was supplied, for compatibility purposes, through Oracle7 Version 7.2.

Functionally, SQLDBA is much like the newer Server Manager. It provides the ability to execute SQL statements as well as to perform monitoring of the Oracle database to which it is attached. SQLDBA is a character-mode application; there is no graphical version, although some basic character-mode graphics are used where available.

There are a number of differences between SQLDBA and the newer Server Manager; some of them are operational, but most are cosmetic. One of the most notable differences is the behavior of the STARTUP command. When you are using SQLDBA to start a database, any failure in the startup process results in all operations being backed out and the database being shut down. When you are using Server Manager, however, failure of any step of the startup leaves the database in its current state. For example, if an error occurs after mounting the database, Server Manager will leave the database mounted, while SQLDBA will dismount the database and shut down Oracle.

For more information about differences between SQLDBA and Server Manager, see Oracle Corporation’s online SQLDBA to Oracle Server Manager Migration Guide.