AWS DevOps Engineer Professional Practice Test

What is the most efficient method for automatically deleting unnecessary time-based data in DynamoDB?

1. Using an external cron job

2. Utilizing Time To Live feature

3. Writing a custom cleanup script

4. Archiving data to S3

The correct answer is: Utilizing Time To Live feature

Using the Time To Live (TTL) feature in DynamoDB is the most efficient method for automatically deleting unnecessary time-based data because it is a built-in capability designed specifically for this purpose. TTL enables you to specify a timestamp attribute for each item in your DynamoDB table, indicating when that item should be considered expired. Once the current time surpasses this timestamp, DynamoDB automatically removes the expired items in the background, thus managing data lifecycle without the need for additional external management. This automated process reduces the operational overhead associated with data management, as there is no requirement for scheduled tasks or scripts to monitor and delete old items. It contributes to cost savings by optimizing data storage and minimizing the need for manual interventions, allowing users to focus on leveraging the database for their applications rather than on maintenance tasks. In contrast, relying on an external cron job or writing a custom cleanup script involves additional setup, maintenance, and potential for human error or missed schedules, which can lead to unnecessary data retention. Archiving data to S3 does offer a solution for data preservation but does not facilitate automatic deletion in the same way TTL does, which specifically addresses the requirement for managing time-based data expiration.