DBS-C01 Workload-Specific Database Design Practice Question
A company needs to store and query JSON documents that vary in structure. The application requires flexible schema, automatic indexing, and the ability to run complex aggregation pipelines. Which AWS database service should be used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently confuse DynamoDB's flexible schema and JSON support with full aggregation pipeline capabilities, overlooking that DynamoDB lacks complex multi-stage aggregations like MongoDB's $lookup or $unwind, which are essential for the stated requirement.
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
✓
Amazon DocumentDB (with MongoDB compatibility)
Amazon DocumentDB (with MongoDB compatibility) is the correct choice because it is purpose-built for storing and querying JSON-like documents with flexible schemas, automatically indexes fields, and supports MongoDB's aggregation pipeline for complex data transformations. This aligns directly with the requirements for varying document structures, automatic indexing, and aggregation capabilities.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Amazon DynamoDB
Why it's wrong here
DynamoDB supports JSON but aggregation capabilities are limited compared to DocumentDB.
- ✓
Amazon DocumentDB (with MongoDB compatibility)
Why this is correct
DocumentDB supports flexible schema, automatic indexing, and aggregation pipelines.
- ✗
Amazon ElastiCache for Redis
Why it's wrong here
ElastiCache is a cache, not a document database.
- ✗
Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL
Why it's wrong here
RDS requires a fixed schema, though PostgreSQL has JSON support, it is not as flexible.
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