Multiple actions in one update in DynamoDB - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What does 'Multiple actions in one update' mean in DynamoDB?

It means you can change several attributes of an item in a single update request, like adding, removing, or modifying multiple fields at once.

beginner

Which DynamoDB operation allows multiple attribute changes in one call?

The UpdateItem operation lets you perform multiple actions like SET, REMOVE, ADD, and DELETE on different attributes in one request.

intermediate

How do you add a new attribute and remove an old one in a single DynamoDB update?

Use the UpdateExpression with SET to add or change an attribute and REMOVE to delete another attribute in the same UpdateItem call.

intermediate

What is the role of ExpressionAttributeNames and ExpressionAttributeValues in multiple updates?

They help safely reference attribute names and values in the update expression, especially if names are reserved words or contain special characters.

intermediate

Can you perform arithmetic operations on attributes during a multiple action update?

Yes, you can use the ADD action in UpdateExpression to increment or decrement numeric attributes in the same update request.

Which DynamoDB update action is used to remove an attribute?

A REMOVE

B DELETE

C SET

D ADD

REMOVE is the correct action to delete an attribute from an item in DynamoDB.

How do you update multiple attributes in one DynamoDB UpdateItem call?

A Use a single UpdateExpression with multiple actions

B Use multiple UpdateItem calls

C Use Scan operation

D Use Query operation

A single UpdateExpression can include multiple actions like SET, REMOVE, ADD to update several attributes at once.

What does the ADD action do in a DynamoDB update?

A Removes an attribute

B Adds a new attribute only

C Increments or decrements numeric attributes or adds elements to sets

D Replaces the entire item

ADD can increment/decrement numbers or add elements to set attributes in DynamoDB.

Why use ExpressionAttributeNames in an update?

A To rename the table

B To avoid conflicts with reserved words or special characters in attribute names

C To encrypt attribute values

D To specify the primary key

ExpressionAttributeNames let you safely reference attribute names that might be reserved words or have special characters.

Can you remove and add attributes in the same UpdateItem request?

A No, you must do separate requests

B Only if attributes are strings

C Only if attributes are numeric

D Yes, by combining REMOVE and SET actions in UpdateExpression

You can combine REMOVE and SET actions in one UpdateExpression to remove and add attributes together.

Explain how to perform multiple attribute updates in a single DynamoDB UpdateItem call.

Think about how you can combine different actions in one expression.

Describe the purpose of the ADD action in DynamoDB updates and give an example.

Consider how you might increase a number without replacing it.