DBS-C01 Workload-Specific Database Design Practice Question
A social media startup is selecting a database for user profiles with a flexible schema and high write throughput. The application is built on Node.js and requires low-latency access. Which database should they choose?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse ElastiCache for Redis (Option B) as a primary database due to its low latency, but it is an in-memory cache lacking durability and flexible schema, whereas DynamoDB provides both low latency and persistent storage with a schemaless design.
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 DynamoDB
Amazon DynamoDB is the correct choice because it is a fully managed NoSQL key-value and document database that offers flexible schema (schemaless), single-digit millisecond latency at any scale, and is designed for high write throughput. It integrates natively with Node.js via the AWS SDK and supports auto-scaling to handle unpredictable write loads, making it ideal for a social media startup's user profile store.
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 Aurora
Why it's wrong here
Relational, not flexible schema.
- ✗
Amazon ElastiCache for Redis
Why it's wrong here
In-memory cache, not a durable database.
- ✗
Amazon RDS for MySQL
Why it's wrong here
Relational, rigid schema.
- ✓
Amazon DynamoDB
Why this is correct
NoSQL, flexible schema, high throughput.
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