- A
Use DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) as a cache layer.
Why wrong: DAX improves read performance but does not handle write spikes or capacity scaling.
- B
Enable DynamoDB Auto Scaling for read and write capacity.
Auto Scaling adjusts capacity based on traffic patterns, handling spikes automatically.
- C
Set up a TTL (Time to Live) to automatically expire old items.
Why wrong: TTL helps with storage management, not throughput spikes.
- D
Implement DynamoDB Global Tables for multi-region replication.
Why wrong: Global Tables provide disaster recovery and local reads, not capacity scaling.
Question 718 of 1,730
DBS-C01 Workload-Specific Database Design Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of workload-specific database design. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
A startup is building a mobile app backend using Amazon DynamoDB. They anticipate unpredictable traffic spikes. Which DynamoDB feature should they use to handle the spikes without manual intervention?
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
✓
Enable DynamoDB Auto Scaling for read and write capacity.
DynamoDB Auto Scaling (option B) automatically adjusts the provisioned read and write capacity based on actual traffic patterns, using CloudWatch alarms and the Application Auto Scaling service. This allows the startup to handle unpredictable spikes without manual intervention, as the service will increase capacity during high demand and decrease it during low demand, ensuring consistent performance and cost efficiency.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) as a cache layer.
Why it's wrong here
DAX improves read performance but does not handle write spikes or capacity scaling.
- ✓
Enable DynamoDB Auto Scaling for read and write capacity.
Why this is correct
Auto Scaling adjusts capacity based on traffic patterns, handling spikes automatically.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Set up a TTL (Time to Live) to automatically expire old items.
Why it's wrong here
TTL helps with storage management, not throughput spikes.
- ✗
Implement DynamoDB Global Tables for multi-region replication.
Why it's wrong here
Global Tables provide disaster recovery and local reads, not capacity scaling.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The DBS-C01 exam often tests the misconception that caching (DAX) or data expiration (TTL) can handle traffic spikes, but the key is that Auto Scaling directly adjusts the provisioned capacity to match demand, while DAX only caches reads and TTL only manages data lifecycle.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DynamoDB Auto Scaling works by defining a target utilization percentage (e.g., 70%) for provisioned capacity; the Application Auto Scaling service uses a target tracking scaling policy that adjusts capacity based on consumed capacity metrics from CloudWatch. Under the hood, it modifies the table's ProvisionedThroughput settings via the UpdateTable API, and the scaling process has a cooldown period to prevent rapid oscillations. In a real-world scenario, if a mobile app goes viral, Auto Scaling can increase write capacity from 100 to 10,000 WCUs within minutes, but it cannot exceed the table's maximum capacity limit set by the user or the account's service quotas.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A startup's cloud architect reviews their monthly bill and notices costs are higher than expected for a long-running batch job. Switching from on-demand instances to Reserved Instances — or using Spot/Preemptible VMs — can reduce compute costs by up to 72 %. Questions like this test whether you understand the tradeoffs between commitment, flexibility, and cost across cloud pricing models.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Workload-Specific Database Design — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DBS-C01 question test?
Workload-Specific Database Design — This question tests Workload-Specific Database Design — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable DynamoDB Auto Scaling for read and write capacity. — DynamoDB Auto Scaling (option B) automatically adjusts the provisioned read and write capacity based on actual traffic patterns, using CloudWatch alarms and the Application Auto Scaling service. This allows the startup to handle unpredictable spikes without manual intervention, as the service will increase capacity during high demand and decrease it during low demand, ensuring consistent performance and cost efficiency.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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