How to Enable DynamoDB Streams: Simple Steps

To enable DynamoDB streams, you must update your table settings to activate the stream feature and select the stream view type. This can be done via the AWS Management Console or AWS CLI by specifying the StreamSpecification with StreamEnabled set to true and choosing a StreamViewType.

Syntax

To enable DynamoDB streams, you specify the StreamSpecification when creating or updating a table. It includes:

• StreamEnabled: Set to true to enable streams.
• StreamViewType: Defines what data is written to the stream. Options are KEYS_ONLY, NEW_IMAGE, OLD_IMAGE, or NEW_AND_OLD_IMAGES.

json

StreamSpecification={
  StreamEnabled: true,
  StreamViewType: 'NEW_AND_OLD_IMAGES'
}

Example

This example shows how to enable DynamoDB streams on an existing table named MyTable using AWS CLI. It sets the stream to capture both new and old images of items.

bash

aws dynamodb update-table \
  --table-name MyTable \
  --stream-specification StreamEnabled=true,StreamViewType=NEW_AND_OLD_IMAGES

Output

{
    "TableDescription": {
        "TableName": "MyTable",
        "StreamSpecification": {
            "StreamEnabled": true,
            "StreamViewType": "NEW_AND_OLD_IMAGES"
        },
        "TableStatus": "UPDATING"
    }
}

Common Pitfalls

• Forgetting to set StreamEnabled to true disables streams.
• Choosing the wrong StreamViewType may not capture the needed data.
• Trying to enable streams on a table that is currently being updated can cause errors.
• Not waiting for the table update to complete before using the stream.

bash

Wrong way (missing StreamEnabled):
aws dynamodb update-table --table-name MyTable --stream-specification StreamViewType=NEW_IMAGE

Right way:
aws dynamodb update-table --table-name MyTable --stream-specification StreamEnabled=true,StreamViewType=NEW_IMAGE

Quick Reference

Parameter	Description	Values
StreamEnabled	Enable or disable DynamoDB streams	true | false
StreamViewType	Type of data written to the stream	KEYS_ONLY, NEW_IMAGE, OLD_IMAGE, NEW_AND_OLD_IMAGES

Key Takeaways

Always set StreamEnabled to true to activate DynamoDB streams.

Choose the StreamViewType that fits your data capture needs.

Use AWS CLI or Console to update the table with stream settings.

Wait for the table update to finish before accessing the stream.

Avoid enabling streams during other table updates to prevent errors.