Summary of Key Takeaways
Understanding DynamoDB
- DynamoDB is a fully managed, proprietary NoSQL database service by AWS, designed to deliver consistent performance at any scale.
- Its key characteristics include:
- Fully managed and proprietary to AWS
- Consistent performance at any scale
- Serverless-friendly
Data Modeling Principles
- Understand your domain and gather data about constraints, data distribution, and item sizes.
- Plan out your access patterns (write and read) and design your table accordingly.
- Use the core DynamoDB features effectively:
- Primary key (partition key and sort key)
- Single-item actions, query, and scan operations
- Secondary indexes
- Avoid over-complicating your data model. Use the basics first, then build upon them as needed.
- Balance flexibility and efficiency when designing your data model.
Napkin Math and Cost Optimization
- Understand the performance and billing implications of your data model.
- Be mindful of item sizes, secondary indexes, transactions, and other operations that can impact costs.
- Use DynamoDB Streams to implement patterns like dual-write, export to secondary systems, and triggers/stored procedures.
Making it "DynamoDB-y"
- Leverage the core DynamoDB features (single-item actions, query, splitting, and sorting) as much as possible.
- Use DynamoDB Streams and other building blocks to handle more complex use cases.
- Evaluate the need for external systems (e.g., Elasticsearch, Redshift) and integrate them using DynamoDB Streams.
The key is to develop a strong understanding of DynamoDB's architecture and usage patterns to design effective data models that leverage its unique capabilities.