Creating GSI in DynamoDB - Quick Revision & Summary

Recall & Review

beginner

What is a Global Secondary Index (GSI) in DynamoDB?

A GSI is an index with a partition key and optional sort key that can be different from the base table's keys. It allows querying data efficiently using alternate keys.

beginner

Can a GSI have a different partition key than the main table?

Yes, a GSI can have a completely different partition key and sort key from the main table, enabling flexible queries.

intermediate

How do you create a GSI when creating a DynamoDB table?

You specify the GSI in the table creation request by defining its IndexName, KeySchema, Projection, and ProvisionedThroughput (if applicable).

intermediate

What is the purpose of the Projection attribute in a GSI?

Projection defines which attributes from the base table are copied into the GSI. It can be ALL, KEYS_ONLY, or INCLUDE specific attributes.

intermediate

Can you add a GSI to an existing DynamoDB table?

Yes, you can add a GSI to an existing table using the UpdateTable API, but it takes time to build and consumes throughput.

What does a Global Secondary Index allow you to do in DynamoDB?

A Encrypt data at rest

B Store data in a different AWS region

C Query data using alternate partition and sort keys

D Automatically backup your table

A GSI lets you query data efficiently using different partition and sort keys than the main table.

Which attribute defines what data is copied into a GSI?

A KeySchema

B Projection

C ProvisionedThroughput

D AttributeDefinitions

Projection specifies which attributes from the base table are included in the GSI.

Can a GSI have a sort key different from the main table?

A No

B Only for local secondary indexes

C Only if the table has no sort key

D Yes

A GSI can have a different partition key and sort key from the main table.

When adding a GSI to an existing table, what should you expect?

A Time to build and throughput consumption

B Table downtime

C Instant availability

D Automatic data deletion

Adding a GSI requires time to build and uses table throughput during creation.

Which of these is NOT a valid Projection type for a GSI?

A EXCLUDE

B KEYS_ONLY

C INCLUDE

D ALL

EXCLUDE is not a valid Projection type; valid types are ALL, KEYS_ONLY, and INCLUDE.

Explain what a Global Secondary Index is and why you would use one in DynamoDB.

Think about how you might want to find data using different keys than the main table.

Describe the steps and key parameters needed to create a GSI when creating a DynamoDB table.

Focus on the parts of the table creation request related to the GSI.