API Gateway to DynamoDB - Cheat Sheet & Quick Revision

Recall & Review

beginner

What is the role of an API Gateway in a system that uses DynamoDB?

An API Gateway acts as a front door for clients to access backend services like DynamoDB. It handles request routing, authentication, and throttling, simplifying client interactions with the database.

intermediate

How does API Gateway improve scalability when accessing DynamoDB?

API Gateway manages traffic by throttling and caching requests, which prevents overload on DynamoDB. It also supports scaling by distributing requests efficiently and enabling serverless backend integration.

intermediate

What is a common pattern to securely connect API Gateway to DynamoDB?

Use AWS IAM roles and policies to grant API Gateway permission to access DynamoDB. This ensures secure, controlled access without exposing database credentials to clients.

beginner

Explain the request flow from a client to DynamoDB through API Gateway.

Client sends HTTP request → API Gateway receives and authenticates → API Gateway transforms request if needed → API Gateway calls DynamoDB using AWS SDK or service integration → DynamoDB processes and returns data → API Gateway sends response back to client.

intermediate

Why is caching important in API Gateway when working with DynamoDB?

Caching reduces the number of direct calls to DynamoDB by storing frequent responses temporarily. This lowers latency for clients and reduces cost and load on the database.

What does API Gateway primarily do when connected to DynamoDB?

A Runs complex queries on data

B Stores data permanently

C Replaces DynamoDB as a database

D Routes and manages client requests to DynamoDB

API Gateway routes and manages client requests but does not store data or replace the database.

Which AWS feature helps secure API Gateway's access to DynamoDB?

A IAM roles and policies

B CloudFront distributions

C S3 buckets

D EC2 instances

IAM roles and policies control permissions securely between API Gateway and DynamoDB.

How does caching in API Gateway affect DynamoDB usage?

A Increases the number of requests to DynamoDB

B Reduces latency and request load on DynamoDB

C Deletes data from DynamoDB

D Encrypts data in DynamoDB

Caching reduces latency and the number of requests sent to DynamoDB.

What is the first step when a client sends a request through API Gateway to DynamoDB?

A Data is cached

B DynamoDB processes the request

C API Gateway authenticates the request

D Request is stored in S3

API Gateway first authenticates the client request before forwarding it.

Which of the following is NOT a function of API Gateway in this architecture?

A Direct data storage

B Authentication

C Request throttling

D Request transformation

API Gateway does not store data directly; DynamoDB handles data storage.

Describe the end-to-end flow of a client request from API Gateway to DynamoDB and back.

Think about each step the request passes through and what each component does.

Explain how security is maintained when API Gateway accesses DynamoDB.

Focus on AWS security best practices for service-to-service communication.