Point-in-time recovery (PITR) in DynamoDB - Practice Problems & Coding Challenges

Challenge - 5 Problems

❓ query_result

intermediate

PITR Status Check

You have enabled Point-in-time recovery (PITR) on a DynamoDB table named Orders. Which query will correctly show the current PITR status of this table?

DynamoDB

aws dynamodb describe-continuous-backups --table-name Orders

A aws dynamodb describe-continuous-backups --table-name Orders

B aws dynamodb get-backup --table-name Orders

C aws dynamodb describe-table --table-name Orders

D aws dynamodb list-backups --table-name Orders

💡 Hint

Look for the command that specifically describes continuous backups.

The command 'describe-continuous-backups' returns the PITR status for the specified table. Other commands either list backups or describe the table but do not show PITR status.

🧠 Conceptual

intermediate

Understanding PITR Recovery Window

What is the maximum time window for which you can restore a DynamoDB table using Point-in-time recovery (PITR)?

A Up to 90 days before the restore time

B Up to 7 days before the restore time

C Up to 35 days before the restore time

D Up to 24 hours before the restore time

💡 Hint

Think about how long AWS retains continuous backups for PITR.

DynamoDB PITR allows restoring data from any point in time within the last 35 days.

📝 Syntax

advanced

Enable PITR Using AWS CLI

Which AWS CLI command correctly enables Point-in-time recovery (PITR) on a DynamoDB table named Customers?

A aws dynamodb update-continuous-backups --table-name Customers --point-in-time-recovery-specification PointInTimeRecoveryEnabled=true

B aws dynamodb enable-pitr --table-name Customers

C aws dynamodb update-table --table-name Customers --enable-pitr true

D aws dynamodb set-pitr --table Customers --enabled

💡 Hint

The command uses 'update-continuous-backups' with a specific JSON flag.

The correct command to enable PITR is 'update-continuous-backups' with the '--point-in-time-recovery-specification PointInTimeRecoveryEnabled=true' parameter.

❓ optimization

advanced

Cost Optimization with PITR

You want to minimize costs while using PITR on a DynamoDB table. Which practice helps reduce unnecessary charges related to PITR?

A Keep PITR enabled continuously but delete old backups manually

B Enable PITR only when critical data changes are expected and disable it otherwise

C Enable PITR on all tables regardless of usage

D Enable PITR only during business hours and disable it after hours

💡 Hint

PITR charges apply while it is enabled, so controlling enablement timing helps.

Enabling PITR only when needed reduces costs because charges apply only while PITR is enabled. Disabling it when not needed avoids unnecessary charges.

🔧 Debug

expert

Troubleshooting PITR Restore Failure

You tried to restore a DynamoDB table using PITR to a point 40 days ago, but the restore failed. What is the most likely reason?

A The table was not enabled for PITR at the time of the restore point

B The AWS CLI command used for restore was missing the --restore-date parameter

C The restore operation requires the table to be empty before restoring

D PITR only retains data for the last 35 days, so 40 days is outside the recovery window

💡 Hint

Consider the maximum retention period for PITR backups.

PITR only allows restoring data from the last 35 days. Attempting to restore beyond this window will fail.