How Do I Configure an AWS DynamoDB Table?

Introduction

AWS DynamoDB is a fully managed NoSQL database service that provides fast and predictable performance with seamless scalability. Configuring a DynamoDB table involves setting up its fundamental properties, such as the table name, attributes, key schema, and throughput settings. This guide will walk you through setting up a basic DynamoDB table using TypeScript.

Step-by-Step Configuration

Below is a TypeScript example demonstrating how to configure an AWS DynamoDB table.

import * as pulumi from "@pulumi/pulumi";
import * as aws from "@pulumi/aws";

// Create a DynamoDB table
const example = new aws.dynamodb.Table("example", {
    name: "example-table",
    billingMode: "PROVISIONED",
    attributes: [{
        name: "id",
        type: "S",
    }],
    hashKey: "id",
    readCapacity: 5,
    writeCapacity: 5,
    serverSideEncryption: {
        enabled: true,
    },
    streamEnabled: true,
    streamViewType: "NEW_AND_OLD_IMAGES",
});
export const dynamodbTableName = example.name;
export const dynamodbTableArn = example.arn;

Step 1: Specify AWS Provider and Region

Begin by specifying the AWS provider and setting the desired region. This ensures your resources are created in the correct geographical location.

Step 2: Define the DynamoDB Table

Create the DynamoDB table resource by specifying its properties:

• name: Sets the table’s name.
• billingMode: Set to “PROVISIONED” to define read and write capacity units.

Step 3: Configure Attributes and Key Schema

Define the table’s schema:

• attributes: Specify the attributes used in the table. In this example, we define an id attribute of type string (S).
• hashKey: Set to “id”, indicating it will be used as the partition key.

Step 4: Set Provisioned Throughput

Configure the provisioned throughput settings:

• readCapacity and writeCapacity: Both are set to 5 in this example, determining the read and write operations per second.

Step 5: Enable Server-Side Encryption

Server-side encryption is enabled by default with AWS managed keys by setting enabled to true in the serverSideEncryption block.

Step 6: Enable DynamoDB Streams

Enable DynamoDB streams on the table:

• streamEnabled: Set to true to capture data changes.
• streamViewType: Set to “NEW_AND_OLD_IMAGES” to capture both new and old images of the items as they are modified.

Step 7: Output the Table’s Information

Finally, export the table’s name and Amazon Resource Name (ARN) for reference.

Key Points

• Configuring a DynamoDB table involves setting the table name, attributes, key schema, and throughput.
• Use provisioned throughput settings for predictable performance.
• Enable server-side encryption for data security.
• DynamoDB streams can be used to capture changes to the table’s data.

Conclusion

This guide provided a step-by-step approach to configuring an AWS DynamoDB table using TypeScript. By following these steps, you can customize your DynamoDB tables to meet your application needs, ensuring efficient and secure data management.