- A
Strong consistency by default
Why wrong: DynamoDB uses eventually consistent reads by default; strong consistency is optional.
- B
Support for complex joins and transactions
Why wrong: DynamoDB does not support complex joins like RDS.
- C
No need to manage database servers or patches
DynamoDB is serverless and fully managed.
- D
Built-in read replicas for scaling reads
Why wrong: Read replicas are a feature of RDS, not DynamoDB.
- E
Automatic scaling of read/write capacity
DynamoDB can auto-scale based on traffic.
Question 1,438 of 1,730
DynamoDB vs RDS MySQL: Scalability and Maintenance Advantages
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.
Which TWO of the following are advantages of using Amazon DynamoDB over Amazon RDS for MySQL for a workload that requires high scalability and low maintenance? (Select TWO.)
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
✓
No need to manage database servers or patches
Option C is correct because Amazon DynamoDB is a fully managed NoSQL database service that eliminates the need for server provisioning, patching, or maintenance. Unlike Amazon RDS for MySQL, where you are responsible for managing the underlying DB instance (including OS and database engine patches), DynamoDB abstracts all infrastructure management, allowing you to focus solely on data access patterns.
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.
- ✗
Strong consistency by default
Why it's wrong here
DynamoDB uses eventually consistent reads by default; strong consistency is optional.
- ✗
Support for complex joins and transactions
Why it's wrong here
DynamoDB does not support complex joins like RDS.
- ✓
No need to manage database servers or patches
Why this is correct
DynamoDB is serverless and fully managed.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Built-in read replicas for scaling reads
Why it's wrong here
Read replicas are a feature of RDS, not DynamoDB.
- ✓
Automatic scaling of read/write capacity
Why this is correct
DynamoDB can auto-scale based on traffic.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse DynamoDB’s optional strong consistency with a default setting, or they assume that a NoSQL database like DynamoDB supports SQL-style joins, leading them to select options A or B despite those being features of relational databases like RDS for MySQL.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
DynamoDB’s automatic scaling is managed via Application Auto Scaling, which adjusts provisioned read/write capacity based on actual traffic patterns using CloudWatch alarms. This is fundamentally different from RDS for MySQL, where you must manually scale instance size or add read replicas, and where scaling often involves downtime or complex replication lag management. In a real-world scenario, a high-traffic e-commerce application with unpredictable spikes would benefit from DynamoDB’s seamless scaling without the operational overhead of managing MySQL replication or patching windows.
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 company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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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: No need to manage database servers or patches — Option C is correct because Amazon DynamoDB is a fully managed NoSQL database service that eliminates the need for server provisioning, patching, or maintenance. Unlike Amazon RDS for MySQL, where you are responsible for managing the underlying DB instance (including OS and database engine patches), DynamoDB abstracts all infrastructure management, allowing you to focus solely on data access patterns.
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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