DynamoDB MCQs and Answers With Explanation – DynamoDB is a fast, scalable, and fully-managed NoSQL database service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It is designed to handle large volumes of structured and unstructured data, and provides low-latency access to that data at any scale. As a popular database service, it is essential for developers and data analysts to have a good understanding of DynamoDB’s features and capabilities. Now, check out the DynamoDB Online Quiz that we have established below exclusive for you.
DynamoDB MCQs
To that end, this set of Top 50 DynamoDB Multiple Choice Questions provides a comprehensive overview of key concepts and best practices for using DynamoDB. From basic data modeling concepts to advanced query and indexing techniques, these questions cover a range of topics to help you test your knowledge and improve your skills in using DynamoDB.
DynamoDB Multiple Choice Questions and Answers
Quiz Name | DynamoDB |
Exam Type | MCQ (Multiple Choice Questions) |
Category | Technical Quiz |
Mode of Quiz | Online |
Top 50 DynamoDB MCQs | Practice Online Quiz
1. What is DynamoDB?
A) A SQL database
B) A NoSQL database
C) A relational database
D) A graph database
Answer: B
Explanation: DynamoDB is a fully managed NoSQL database service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS).
2. What is the primary key in DynamoDB?
A) A unique identifier for each item in the table
B) A collection of items with similar attributes
C) A secondary index used to retrieve items faster
D) A set of attributes that can be retrieved together
Answer: A
Explanation: The primary key is a unique identifier for each item in the table and is used to retrieve items from the table.
3. What are the two types of primary keys in DynamoDB?
A) Simple and complex keys
B) Partition and sort keys
C) Primary and secondary keys
D) Hash and range keys
Answer: D
Explanation: DynamoDB uses a combination of a hash key and a range key to create a composite primary key. The hash key is also known as the partition key and the range key is also known as the sort key.
4. What is a partition key in DynamoDB?
A) A secondary index used to retrieve items faster
B) A unique identifier for each item in the table
C) A set of attributes that can be retrieved together
D) A hash function used to distribute items across partitions
Answer: D
Explanation: The partition key, also known as the hash key, is used by DynamoDB to distribute items across partitions using a hash function.
5. What is a sort key in DynamoDB?
A) A unique identifier for each item in the table
B) A secondary index used to retrieve items faster
C) A set of attributes that can be retrieved together
D) A way to sort items within a partition
Answer: D
Explanation: The sort key, also known as the range key, is used to sort items within a partition based on its value.
6. What is a secondary index in DynamoDB?
A) A way to sort items within a partition
B) A set of attributes that can be retrieved together
C) A hash function used to distribute items across partitions
D) A data structure that allows efficient queries on non-primary key attributes
Answer: D
Explanation: A secondary index is a data structure that allows efficient queries on non-primary key attributes. It can be either a local secondary index or a global secondary index.
7. What is a local secondary index in DynamoDB?
A) An index that can only be created at the time of table creation
B) An index that is limited to a single partition
C) An index that can be created at any time after table creation
D) An index that can be used for any query on the table
Answer: B
Explanation: A local secondary index is an index that is limited to a single partition and can only be created at the time of table creation.
8. What is a global secondary index in DynamoDB?
A) An index that can only be created at the time of table creation
B) An index that is limited to a single partition
C) An index that can be created at any time after table creation
D) An index that can be used for any query on the table
Answer: C
Explanation: A global secondary index is an index that can be created at any time after table creation and can be used for any query on the table.
9. What is a read capacity unit in DynamoDB?
A) A unit of measurement for the amount of data stored in the table
B) A unit of measurement for the amount of data transferred in and out of the table
C) A unit of measurement for the number of read operations per second that can be performed on the table
D) A unit of measurement for the number of write operations per second that can be performed on the table
Answer: C
Explanation: A read capacity unit is a unit of measurement for the number of read operations per second that can be performed on the table. One read capacity unit allows for one read operation per second for items up to 4 KB in size.
10. What is a write capacity unit in DynamoDB?
A) A unit of measurement for the amount of data stored in the table
B) A unit of measurement for the amount of data transferred in and out of the table
C) A unit of measurement for the number of read operations per second that can be performed on the table
D) A unit of measurement for the number of write operations per second that can be performed on the table
Answer: D
Explanation: A write capacity unit is a unit of measurement for the number of write operations per second that can be performed on the table. One write capacity unit allows for one write operation per second for items up to 1 KB in size.
11. What is a batch write operation in DynamoDB?
A) An operation that writes multiple items in a single request
B) An operation that writes a single item in multiple requests
C) An operation that reads multiple items in a single request
D) An operation that reads a single item in multiple requests
Answer: A
Explanation: A batch write operation is an operation that writes multiple items in a single request. This can be more efficient than writing each item individually.
12. What is a conditional write operation in DynamoDB?
A) An operation that writes an item if it already exists in the table
B) An operation that writes an item if it does not exist in the table
C) An operation that writes an item only if certain conditions are met
D) An operation that writes an item and updates all other items in the table
Answer: C
Explanation: A conditional write operation is an operation that writes an item only if certain conditions are met. For example, you can write an item only if it does not already exist in the table, or only if it has a certain value for a specific attribute.
13. What is a conditional read operation in DynamoDB?
A) An operation that reads an item only if certain conditions are met
B) An operation that reads all items in the table
C) An operation that reads only a subset of attributes for an item
D) An operation that reads multiple items in a single request
Answer: A
Explanation: A conditional read operation is an operation that reads an item only if certain conditions are met. For example, you can read an item only if it has a certain value for a specific attribute.
14. What is a scan operation in DynamoDB?
A) An operation that reads all items in the table
B) An operation that reads only a subset of attributes for an item
C) An operation that reads multiple items in a single request
D) An operation that reads an item only if certain conditions are met
Answer: A
Explanation: A scan operation is an operation that reads all items in the table. This can be inefficient for large tables and should be used sparingly.
15. What is a query operation in DynamoDB?
A) An operation that reads all items in the table
B) An operation that reads only a subset of attributes for an item
C) An operation that reads multiple items in a single request
D) An operation that reads items based on a specific value for a partition key
Answer: D
Explanation: A query operation is an operation that reads items based on a specific value for a partition key. This can be more efficient than a scan operation for retrieving a subset of items from a large table.
16. What is the maximum size of an item in DynamoDB?
A) 1 MB
B) 2 MB
C) 4 MB
D) 8 MB
Answer: A
Explanation: The maximum size of an item in DynamoDB is 1 MB. If an item is larger than 1 MB, it cannot be stored in the table.
17. What is a global secondary index in DynamoDB?
A) An index that includes all attributes of the table
B) An index that includes only the partition key of the table
C) An index that includes only a subset of attributes of the table
D) An index that allows for querying the table based on a different partition key and sort key
Answer: D
Explanation: A global secondary index is an index that allows for querying the table based on a different partition key and sort key than the table’s primary key. This can be useful for querying the table in different ways than what the primary key allows for.
18. What is a local secondary index in DynamoDB?
A) An index that includes all attributes of the table
B) An index that includes only the partition key of the table
C) An index that includes only a subset of attributes of the table
D) An index that allows for querying the table based on a different partition key and sort key
Answer: D
Explanation: A local secondary index is an index that allows for querying the table based on a different sort key than the table’s primary key, but using the same partition key. This can be useful for querying the table in different ways than what the primary key allows for, but with more limited scope than a global secondary index.
19. What is a composite primary key in DynamoDB?
A) A primary key that consists of only a partition key
B) A primary key that consists of only a sort key
C) A primary key that consists of both a partition key and a sort key
D) A primary key that consists of all attributes of the table
Answer: C
Explanation: A composite primary key is a primary key that consists of both a partition key and a sort key. This allows for efficient querying and sorting of items based on both keys.
20. What is the difference between a strong consistency read and an eventually consistent read in DynamoDB?
A) A strong consistency read returns the latest version of an item, while an eventually consistent read may return an outdated version
B) A strong consistency read returns an outdated version of an item, while an eventually consistent read returns the latest version
C) A strong consistency read returns all items in the table, while an eventually consistent read returns only a subset of items
D) A strong consistency read returns only a subset of items, while an eventually consistent read returns all items in the table
Answer: A
Explanation: A strong consistency read returns the latest version of an item, while an eventually consistent read may return an outdated version that has not yet been fully propagated across all replicas. Strong consistency reads are more resource-intensive, but provide the most up-to-date data. Eventually consistent reads are less resource-intensive, but may return outdated data in some cases.
21. How can you improve the performance of a DynamoDB table with high read or write throughput requirements?
A) Increase the provisioned capacity for the table
B) Decrease the provisioned capacity for the table
C) Use a larger instance size for the table
D) Use a smaller instance size for the table
Answer: A
Explanation: Increasing the provisioned capacity for a DynamoDB table can improve its performance for high read or write throughput requirements. This allows for more resources to be allocated to the table to handle the increased load.
22. What is the purpose of a DynamoDB Streams?
A) To provide a backup of the table data
B) To capture changes to the table data in real-time
C) To replicate the table data to other regions
D) To provide a queryable interface to the table data
Answer: B
Explanation: DynamoDB Streams is used to capture changes to the table data in real-time, which can be useful for building applications that need to react to changes in the table.
23. What is the default TTL value for a DynamoDB table?
A) 1 day
B) 1 week
C) 1 month
D) There is no default TTL value
Answer: D
Explanation: There is no default TTL value for a DynamoDB table. If you want to enable TTL for a table, you need to specify the TTL attribute and the TTL value when you create the table.
24. What is the purpose of a DynamoDB backup?
A) To provide a point-in-time restore of the table data
B) To provide a read-only copy of the table data
C) To replicate the table data to other regions
D) To provide a queryable interface to the table data
Answer: A
Explanation: A DynamoDB backup is used to provide a point-in-time restore of the table data, which can be useful for recovering from accidental data loss or corruption.
25. What is the purpose of a DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX)?
A) To provide a backup of the table data
B) To capture changes to the table data in real-time
C) To improve the performance of read-heavy workloads
D) To provide a queryable interface to the table data
Answer: C
Explanation: DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) is used to improve the performance of read-heavy workloads by providing an in-memory cache for frequently accessed items in the table.
26. How can you reduce the cost of a DynamoDB table?
A) Decrease the provisioned capacity for the table
B) Increase the provisioned capacity for the table
C) Use a larger instance size for the table
D) Use a smaller instance size for the table
Answer: A
Explanation: Decreasing the provisioned capacity for a DynamoDB table can reduce its cost, as you only pay for the capacity that you actually use. However, this may also affect the performance of the table.
27. What is the purpose of a DynamoDB transaction?
A) To perform multiple read or write operations as a single, atomic transaction
B) To perform a backup of the table data
C) To capture changes to the table data in real-time
D) To provide a queryable interface to the table data
Answer: A
Explanation: A DynamoDB transaction is used to perform multiple read or write operations as a single, atomic transaction, ensuring that either all of the operations are completed or none of them are.
28. What is the difference between a partition key and a sort key in DynamoDB?
A) A partition key is used to partition the data across multiple nodes, while a sort key is used to sort the data within each partition
B) A partition key is used to sort the data across multiple nodes, while a sort key is used to partition the data within each partition
C) A partition key and a sort key are the same thing
D) DynamoDB does not use partition keys or sort keys
Answer: A
Explanation: In DynamoDB, a partition key is used to partition the data across multiple nodes, while a sort key is used to sort the data within each partition. This allows for efficient querying of the data using the partition key and sort key.
29. What is the maximum item size for a DynamoDB table?
A) 1 KB
B) 10 KB
C) 100 KB
D) 400 KB
Answer: D
Explanation: The maximum item size for a DynamoDB table is 400 KB, which includes both the item data and any attribute names and values.
30. What is the difference between a strong consistency read and an eventually consistent read in DynamoDB?
A) A strong consistency read returns the most up-to-date version of an item, while an eventually consistent read may return an older version of the item
B) A strong consistency read returns an older version of an item, while an eventually consistent read returns the most up-to-date version of the item
C) Strong consistency and eventual consistency reads are the same thing
D) DynamoDB does not support strong consistency reads
Answer: A
Explanation: In DynamoDB, a strong consistency read returns the most up-to-date version of an item, while an eventually consistent read may return an older version of the item. Strong consistency reads are more resource-intensive and may take longer to complete than eventually consistent reads.
31. What is the maximum number of items that can be returned in a single DynamoDB query or scan operation?
A) 10
B) 100
C) 1000
D) 10000
Answer: C
Explanation: The maximum number of items that can be returned in a single DynamoDB query or scan operation is 1000. If you need to retrieve more items, you can use pagination to retrieve the results in multiple batches.
32. How can you optimize the performance of a DynamoDB table for both read and write throughput?
A) Increase the provisioned capacity for the table
B) Decrease the provisioned capacity for the table
C) Use a larger instance size for the table
D) Use a smaller instance size for the table
Answer: A
Explanation: Increasing the provisioned capacity for a DynamoDB table can optimize its performance for both read and write throughput, allowing for more resources to be allocated to the table to handle the increased load.
33. What is the difference between a local secondary index and a global secondary index in DynamoDB?
A) A local secondary index is only available within a single partition key, while a global secondary index can span multiple partition keys
B) A local secondary index is used to sort the data within a partition key, while a global secondary index is used to partition the data across multiple partition keys
C) Local secondary and global secondary indexes are the same thing
D) DynamoDB does not support local secondary or global secondary indexes
Answer: A
Explanation: In DynamoDB, a local secondary index is only available within a single partition key, while a global secondary index can span multiple partition keys. This allows for efficient querying of the data using different attributes.
34. What is the difference between a DynamoDB table and a document database?
A) DynamoDB tables are more flexible than document databases
B) Document databases are more flexible than DynamoDB tables
C) DynamoDB tables use a relational data model, while document databases use a document data model
D) DynamoDB tables are only available in the cloud, while document databases can be deployed on-pre mises or in the cloud
Answer: C
Explanation: DynamoDB tables use a key-value data model, while document databases use a document data model. In a document database, each document can have its own schema, allowing for more flexible data storage than a traditional relational database.
35. How can you improve the performance of a DynamoDB table that is experiencing high levels of read or write throughput?
A) Decrease the provisioned capacity for the table
B) Increase the provisioned capacity for the table
C) Use a smaller instance size for the table
D) Use a larger instance size for the table
Answer: B
Explanation: Increasing the provisioned capacity for a DynamoDB table can improve its performance when experiencing high levels of read or write throughput, allowing for more resources to be allocated to the table to handle the increased load.
36. What is the purpose of a DynamoDB filter expression?
A) To filter the results of a query or scan operation based on a specific attribute value
B) To sort the results of a query or scan operation based on a specific attribute value
C) To limit the number of results returned by a query or scan operation
D) DynamoDB does not support filter expressions
Answer: A
Explanation: A filter expression in DynamoDB is used to filter the results of a query or scan operation based on a specific attribute value. This can help to reduce the amount of data returned by the operation, improving performance and reducing costs.
37. How can you enable auto scaling for a DynamoDB table?
A) Use the AWS Management Console to configure auto scaling settings
B) Use the AWS CLI to configure auto scaling settings
C) Use the AWS SDK to configure auto scaling settings
D) Auto scaling is not supported in DynamoDB
Answer: A, B, or C
Explanation: Auto scaling for DynamoDB can be configured using the AWS Management Console, the AWS CLI, or the AWS SDK. Auto scaling allows the provisioned capacity for the table to automatically scale up or down based on the actual usage of the table, helping to optimize performance and reduce costs.
38. How can you improve the performance of a DynamoDB table for read-heavy workloads?
A) Increase the provisioned read capacity for the table
B) Decrease the provisioned read capacity for the table
C) Use a larger instance size for the table
D) Use a smaller instance size for the table
Answer: A
Explanation: Increasing the provisioned read capacity for a DynamoDB table can improve its performance for read-heavy workloads, allowing for more resources to be allocated to read operations.
39. How can you improve the performance of a DynamoDB table for write-heavy workloads?
A) Increase the provisioned write capacity for the table
B) Decrease the provisioned write capacity for the table
C) Use a larger instance size for the table
D) Use a smaller instance size for the table
Answer: A
Explanation: Increasing the provisioned write capacity for a DynamoDB table can improve its performance for write-heavy workloads, allowing for more resources to be allocated to write operations.
40. What is the difference between a batch write operation and a batch get operation in DynamoDB?
A) A batch write operation is used to insert or update multiple items in a single operation, while a batch get operation is used to retrieve multiple items in a single operation
B) A batch write operation is used to retrieve multiple items in a single operation, while a batch get operation is used to insert or update multiple items in a single operation
C) Batch write and batch get operations are the same thing
D) DynamoDB does not support batch write or batch get operations
Answer: A
Explanation: In DynamoDB, a batch write operation is used to insert or update multiple items in a single operation, while a batch get operation is used to retrieve multiple items in a single operation. Batch operations can be more efficient than making individual requests for each item, as they reduce the number of requests made to the database.
41. What is a Global Secondary Index (GSI) in DynamoDB?
A) A secondary table that is created to store data that does not fit within the main table
B) An index that is created on a specific attribute of a DynamoDB table, allowing for faster queries on that attribute
C) A way to replicate a DynamoDB table to another region for disaster recovery purposes
D) A way to encrypt data stored in a DynamoDB table using a customer-managed encryption key
Answer: B
Explanation: A Global Secondary Index (GSI) is an index that is created on a specific attribute of a DynamoDB table, allowing for faster queries on that attribute. GSIs can be created on any non-key attribute of a table, and can be used to support a wide range of query patterns.
42. What is a Local Secondary Index (LSI) in DynamoDB?
A) A secondary table that is created to store data that does not fit within the main table
B) An index that is created on a specific attribute of a DynamoDB table, allowing for faster queries on that attribute
C) A way to replicate a DynamoDB table to another region for disaster recovery purposes
D) An index that is created on a specific attribute of a DynamoDB table, using the same partition key as the main table
Answer: D
Explanation: A Local Secondary Index (LSI) is an index that is created on a specific attribute of a DynamoDB table, using the same partition key as the main table. LSIs are used to support query patterns that involve range queries on a specific attribute of the table.
43. What is the maximum size of an item that can be stored in a DynamoDB table?
A) 1 GB
B) 10 GB
C) 100 GB
D) DynamoDB does not have a maximum item size limit
Answer: A
Explanation: The maximum size of an item that can be stored in a DynamoDB table is 1 GB.
44. What is the difference between a strongly consistent read and an eventually consistent read in DynamoDB?
A) A strongly consistent read returns the most recent version of an item, while an eventually consistent read may return a slightly older version of an item
B) A strongly consistent read is faster than an eventually consistent read
C) A strongly consistent read may return a slightly older version of an item, while an eventually consistent read returns the most recent version of an item
D) There is no difference between a strongly consistent read and an eventually consistent read in DynamoDB
Answer: A
Explanation: In DynamoDB, a strongly consistent read returns the most recent version of an item, while an eventually consistent read may return a slightly older version of an item. Strongly consistent reads require more resources and are generally slower than eventually consistent reads.
45. What is the difference between a query and a scan operation in DynamoDB?
A) A query operation is used to retrieve all items in a table, while a scan operation is used to retrieve a subset of items based on a specific attribute value
B) A query operation is used to retrieve a subset of items based on a specific attribute value, while a scan operation is used to retrieve all items in a table
C) Query and scan operations are the same thing
D) DynamoDB does not support query or scan operations
Answer: B
Explanation: In DynamoDB, a query operation is used to retrieve a subset of items based on a specific attribute value and returns a maximum of 1 MB of data in a single operation, while a scan operation is used to retrieve all items in a table or a subset of items based on a specific attribute value, and can return up to 1 MB of data at a time. Query operations are generally more efficient than scan operations.
46. What is the maximum size of a single batch write operation in DynamoDB?
A) 1 MB
B) 4 MB
C) 16 MB
D) DynamoDB does not have a maximum batch write size limit
Answer: B
Explanation: The maximum size of a single batch write operation in DynamoDB is 4 MB.
47. What is the maximum number of items that can be retrieved in a single batch get operation in DynamoDB?
A) 25
B) 100
C) 500
D) 1000
Answer: D
Explanation: The maximum number of items that can be retrieved in a single batch get operation in DynamoDB is 1000.
48. What is the maximum number of items that can be written in a single batch write operation in DynamoDB?
A) 25
B) 100
C) 500
D) 1000
Answer: C
Explanation: The maximum number of items that can be written in a single batch write operation in DynamoDB is 500.
49. What is the difference between a put and an update operation in DynamoDB?
A) A put operation is used to insert a new item or overwrite an existing item, while an update operation is used to modify specific attributes of an existing item
B) A put operation is used to modify specific attributes of an existing item, while an update operation is used to insert a new item or overwrite an existing item
C) Put and update operations are the same thing
D) DynamoDB does not support put or update operations
Answer: A
Explanation: In DynamoDB, a put operation is used to insert a new item or overwrite an existing item, while an update operation is used to modify specific attributes of an existing item.
50. What is the difference between a partition key and a sort key in DynamoDB?
A) A partition key is used to distribute items across multiple partitions, while a sort key is used to sort items within a partition
B) A partition key is used to sort items within a partition, while a sort key is used to distribute items across multiple partitions
C) Partition and sort keys are the same thing
D) DynamoDB does not use partition or sort keys
Answer: A
Explanation: In DynamoDB, a partition key is used to distribute items across multiple partitions, while a sort key is used to sort items within a partition. Together, they form the primary key of a table and are used to uniquely identify each item in the table.
These 50 DynamoDB MCQ Questions & Answers have provided an overview of key concepts and best practices for using DynamoD. By testing your knowledge with this DynamoDB Quiz, you can assess your understanding of basic data modeling concepts, query and indexing techniques, and other advanced features of DynamoDB. Now, follow our Freshersnow portal to get technical quizzes related to more IT concepts.