The correct answer is to rewrite the PL/Python functions in PL/pgSQL or another supported language. Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL does not support PL/Python because it is an untrusted procedural language, meaning it can bypass normal database security restrictions and access the underlying operating system, which is a significant security risk in a fully managed environment. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this concept tests your understanding of RDS limitations regarding untrusted languages versus trusted languages like PL/pgSQL, PL/Perl, and PL/Tcl. A common trap is assuming all PostgreSQL extensions are available in RDS; in reality, any language requiring superuser privileges for installation is blocked. Remember the mnemonic: “Untrusted is Unsupported” — if a language needs superuser access to install, it won’t run on RDS.
DBS-C01 Deployment and Migration Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of deployment and migration. 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 company is migrating a PostgreSQL database to Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL. The source database uses custom functions written in PL/Python. What should the company consider?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Rewrite the functions in PL/pgSQL or another supported language.
Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL does not support PL/Python because it requires the installation of an untrusted procedural language, which poses security risks in a managed database environment. The correct approach is to rewrite the custom functions in a supported language such as PL/pgSQL, PL/Perl, or PL/Tcl, which are trusted languages available in RDS for PostgreSQL.
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.
✓
Rewrite the functions in PL/pgSQL or another supported language.
Why this is correct
RDS PostgreSQL supports only specific procedural languages; PL/Python is not one of them.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Modify the DB parameter group to enable PL/Python.
Why it's wrong here
Parameter groups control settings, not language support.
✗
Use RDS Custom for PostgreSQL to install PL/Python.
Why it's wrong here
RDS Custom may allow installation, but it's not recommended; rewriting is simpler.
✗
Migrate to Aurora PostgreSQL which supports PL/Python.
Why it's wrong here
Aurora PostgreSQL also does not support PL/Python.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume RDS Custom or Aurora PostgreSQL can bypass the PL/Python limitation, but AWS does not support untrusted languages in any managed PostgreSQL offering, and RDS Custom still relies on the standard PostgreSQL engine which lacks PL/Python support.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
PL/Python is an untrusted procedural language, meaning it allows execution of arbitrary Python code outside the PostgreSQL sandbox, which is why managed services like RDS and Aurora block it. Trusted languages like PL/pgSQL run in a restricted environment that prevents file system access and other dangerous operations. In a real-world migration, you would need to audit all PL/Python functions and rewrite them in PL/pgSQL, possibly using SQL functions or application-layer logic to replicate the behavior.
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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
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.
Deployment and Migration — This question tests Deployment and Migration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Rewrite the functions in PL/pgSQL or another supported language. — Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL does not support PL/Python because it requires the installation of an untrusted procedural language, which poses security risks in a managed database environment. The correct approach is to rewrite the custom functions in a supported language such as PL/pgSQL, PL/Perl, or PL/Tcl, which are trusted languages available in RDS for PostgreSQL.
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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Question Discussion
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