DBS-C01 Workload-Specific Database Design Practice Question
Which TWO factors should you consider when choosing between Amazon RDS and Amazon DynamoDB for a new application?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates assume DynamoDB cannot be accessed publicly or that only RDS supports Multi-AZ, but in reality both services offer these features, and the key differentiator is the data model (schema vs. schema-less) and the nature of the data (structured with relationships vs. unstructured).
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
✓
RDS requires a predefined schema, while DynamoDB is schema-less.
Amazon RDS (relational database service) requires a predefined schema with tables, columns, and data types before data can be inserted, enforcing ACID compliance and referential integrity. In contrast, Amazon DynamoDB is a NoSQL key-value and document database that is schema-less, allowing you to store items with varying attributes without upfront schema definition, which is ideal for agile development and unstructured data.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
RDS requires a predefined schema, while DynamoDB is schema-less.
Why this is correct
This is a key difference that affects application design.
- ✗
DynamoDB can only be accessed from within a VPC, while RDS can be public.
Why it's wrong here
Both can be configured for VPC access or public access.
- ✗
Only RDS supports Multi-AZ deployments for high availability.
Why it's wrong here
DynamoDB automatically replicates data across multiple AZs.
- ✗
Both services support encryption at rest and in transit.
Why it's wrong here
This is true for both, not a differentiating factor.
- ✓
DynamoDB is better suited for unstructured data, while RDS is better for structured data with complex relationships.
Why this is correct
This is a primary consideration when choosing between the two.
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