DEA-C01 Data Store Management Practice Question
Network Topology
The exhibit shows the output of describe-table for a DynamoDB table. The table is used for a reporting job that queries by 'pk' and filters on 'sk' using a range condition. The job is running slowly. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers assume a missing index (GSI or LSI) is the cause of slow queries, but the table already has a sort key that supports the query pattern, so the real issue is likely throughput capacity.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The provisioned read capacity is too low.
The describe-table output shows the table has a primary key composed of 'pk' (partition key) and 'sk' (sort key), which is ideal for the query pattern described (query by 'pk' and filter on 'sk' with a range condition). The job is running slowly, and the most likely cause is insufficient provisioned read capacity, as the reporting job may be consuming more read capacity units than provisioned, leading to throttling and slower performance.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The table lacks a global secondary index (GSI).
Why it's wrong here
Query on pk and sk range does not require GSI.
- ✓
The provisioned read capacity is too low.
Why this is correct
5 RCU is very low for reporting queries.
- ✗
The table uses provisioned throughput instead of on-demand.
Why it's wrong here
Provisioned is fine; the issue is the low number.
- ✗
The table needs a local secondary index (LSI) on 'sk'.
Why it's wrong here
sk is already a range key; LSI not needed.
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