DBS-C01 Workload-Specific Database Design Practice Question
A startup is building a real-time leaderboard for a mobile game using Amazon DynamoDB. The leaderboard must update frequently and support global access with low latency. Which database design approach is most suitable?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers assume a caching layer like ElastiCache is always the best for low-latency global access, but they overlook the need for multi-Region write capability and the inherent limitations of Redis cross-Region replication for high-frequency updates.
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
✓
Use Amazon DynamoDB global tables with appropriate partition key design.
Amazon DynamoDB global tables provide multi-Region, fully managed, multi-master replication, which is ideal for a real-time leaderboard requiring frequent updates and low-latency global access. By designing an appropriate partition key (e.g., game ID or time-based composite key), you can distribute write traffic evenly and avoid hot partitions, ensuring consistent performance under high update frequency.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Use Amazon DynamoDB global tables with appropriate partition key design.
Why this is correct
Provides low-latency global access and high throughput.
- ✗
Use Amazon ElastiCache for Redis with replication across Regions.
Why it's wrong here
In-memory cache lacks durability guarantees.
- ✗
Use Amazon Aurora Global Database with a single writer and multiple readers.
Why it's wrong here
Relational model not ideal for leaderboard; global latency possible.
- ✗
Use Amazon S3 with event notifications to update a leaderboard file.
Why it's wrong here
S3 is not designed for high-frequency writes.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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