Match each DynamoDB concept to its definition.
Drag a concept onto its matching description — or click a concept then click the description.
Single attribute used to distribute data across partitions
Attribute that determines order within a partition
Index with a different partition and sort key for alternate query patterns
Index with the same partition key but different sort key
Time-ordered sequence of item-level changes in a table
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Partition key: A simple primary key that determines the partition where the item is stored.
This matching exercise tests understanding of core DynamoDB concepts. The partition key distributes items across partitions, while the sort key enables ordering. Global secondary indexes (GSIs) allow queries on different partition keys, while local secondary indexes (LSIs) share the same partition key but different sort keys.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Partition key: A simple primary key that determines the partition where the item is stored.
Why this is correct
The partition key is the primary key attribute used to distribute data across partitions.
Sort key: A simple primary key that determines the partition where the item is stored.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — this describes the partition key, not the sort key. The sort key enables ordering within a partition.
Sort key: A component of the composite primary key that enables sorting within a partition.
Why this is correct
The sort key is used with the partition key to create unique items and control sort order.
Global secondary index: An index that uses the same partition key as the base table but a different sort key.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — this describes a local secondary index (LSI). A GSI can have a different partition key.
Global secondary index: An index with a different partition and sort key from the base table, enabling querying on non-key attributes.
Why this is correct
A GSI allows queries on attributes other than the base table's primary key.
Local secondary index: An index that uses the same partition key as the base table but a different sort key.
Why this is correct
A LSI maintains the same partition key as the base table but provides an alternative sort key.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This DBS-C01 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the DBS-C01 exam.