nutanix‐database‐automation‐ncp‐db‐ncp‐db‐65‐exam‐questions_6 - itnett/FTD02H-N GitHub Wiki

To create a highly visual and memorable cheat sheet for the Nutanix Certified Professional - Database Automation (NCP-DB) exam, I'll break down the key topics into concise bullet points, acronyms, and visual cues that are easier to remember. This format will help reinforce the most critical information for quick recall.

NCP-DB Exam Visual Cheat Sheet

1. NDB Concepts and General Knowledge

Key Concepts:

  • NDB = Nutanix Database Service: A DBaaS for provisioning, managing, and operating databases.
  • Supported Databases: MSSQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, MySQL, MariaDB, MongoDB. (MOPMMM)
  • Key Features: Provision, Clone, Patch, Backup, Recovery, Scaling.

Key Acronyms:

  • SLA: Service Level Agreement (Data Retention, Snapshot Frequency, Recovery Points)
  • PITR: Point-in-Time Recovery (Restore to any point using logs + snapshots)
  • HA: High Availability (Patroni for PostgreSQL, Replica Sets for MongoDB, Oracle RAC)

2. Deploy and Configure NDB Solutions

Installation Steps:

  1. Download image from the Nutanix Support Portal (QCOW2/OVA).
  2. Configure initial settings in Prism Central.
  3. Install NDB components: API Server, NDB Agent. (DCI)

Profiles Configuration:

  • Compute Profile: vCPUs, RAM, Disk Size.
  • Network Profile: VLAN, IP range, DNS.
  • Software Profile: DB Engine Version, Patches.
  • Acronym: CNS (Compute, Network, Software)

Best Practices Mnemonics:

  • Open Ports: iSCSI = 3205, 3260 | API = 443, 9440
  • Stretched VLANs: Only Static VLANs managed in NDB. (Static = Stretched)

3. Monitor Alerts and Storage Usage

Alerts Management:

  • Status Values: Acknowledged, Resolved. (AR)
  • Retention Period: 180 days (Think of AR as an "Alert Retention" countdown.)

Storage Monitoring Tools:

  • Data Usage Widget: Real-time data on storage use.
  • Clone Data Age Chart: Tracks age of clones.
  • Acronym: DC (Data Usage, Clone Age)

4. Operate and Maintain an NDB Environment

Patching Workflow:

  1. Validate Repository Configuration.
  2. Create Software Profile Version.
  3. Schedule Maintenance Window.
    (VCS)

HA Configurations:

  • PostgreSQL: Patroni.
  • MongoDB: Replica Sets.
  • Oracle: RAC.
  • Acronym: PRR (Patroni, Replica Sets, RAC)

Key Commands Mnemonics:

  • Log Catch-Up Interval: 15 minutes minimum.
    "Log every 15 to stay keen!"

5. Protect NDB-Managed Databases Using Time Machine

Time Machine Components:

  • Snapshot: Point-in-Time Copy.
  • Log Catch-Up: Continuous Data Protection.
  • PITR: Restore to any point using snapshots + logs.
  • Acronym: SLP (Snapshot, Log, PITR)

SLAs Configuration:

  • Continuous Log Retention = Enables PITR.
  • Frequency: Set Snapshot + Log intervals in days/weeks.
  • Acronym: CF (Continuous Logs, Frequency)

6. Administer an NDB Environment

Role Management:

  • Create Roles: Assign specific permissions.
  • Key Roles:
    • Super Admin: Full Access.
    • Database Admin: Manage Databases.
    • Access Control: Manage Profiles, Alerts.
  • Acronym: SDA (Super, Database, Access)

Profile Management:

  • Profiles:
    • Windows Domain: SQL/NDB Service Accounts.
    • Compute: VM Size.
    • Network: VLAN.
    • Software: DB Engine.
  • Acronym: WCNS (Windows, Compute, Network, Software)

7. Perform Database Operations, Patching, and Upgrades

Operations Mnemonics:

  • Provisioning Steps:
    • Prepare Software Profile.
    • Register VM.
    • Apply Profiles.
    • Check Compatibility.
  • Acronym: PRAC (Prepare, Register, Apply, Check)

Patch Management:

  • First Step: Download from Vendor (e.g., Oracle).
  • Always: Validate Repository before patching.
    "DV" (Download, Validate)

Rollback Requirements:

  • Must Use: NDB tools for applying patches to enable rollback.
    "If you don’t patch with NDB, no rollback for thee!"

Cheat Sheet Visuals and Mnemonics:

  1. Installation Flow: DCI – Download, Configure, Install
  2. Profiles Setup: CNS – Compute, Network, Software
  3. Patching Steps: VCS – Validate, Create, Schedule
  4. Alert Status: AR – Acknowledged, Resolved
  5. HA Setup: PRR – Patroni, Replica Sets, RAC
  6. Protection Cycle: SLP – Snapshot, Log Catch-Up, PITR
  7. Key Commands: "Log every 15 to stay keen!"

Visual Memory Aids:

  • Think of "DCI" as a detective: Install, Configure, Solve problems.
  • Picture CNS (Compute, Network, Software) like a three-legged stool: Stability in database provisioning.
  • Remember AR (Acknowledged, Resolved) like the start of "Alert" itself.
  • PRR (Patroni, Replica Sets, RAC) like "PRRR," a growling bear – symbolizes strength of HA.
  • SLP (Snapshot, Log, PITR): Think of "Sleep" as a secure and safe state of your database at any time.

Final Exam Tips:

  • Review Key Acronyms Regularly: They help with quick recall during the exam.
  • Visualize Processes: Imagine yourself navigating the NDB UI to reinforce memory.
  • Practice Scenarios: Consider different scenarios and apply the mnemonics to remember steps and processes.

By using these visual aids, acronyms, and mnemonics, you'll find it easier to recall the necessary information during the exam. Good luck, and feel free to ask if you need more focused information on any specific topic!