Create a DynamoDB table by choosing a name, partition key, optional sort key, and capacity mode. Dynobase provides a form for these settings and secondary indexes. Plan the key schema around your application's access patterns before creating the table.
The demo shows an earlier interface. The written steps describe Dynobase 3.0.8.
1
Open the table creation form
Select the destination profile and open New Table with Cmd+N on macOS or Ctrl+N on Windows/Linux. Verify the Region in the form.
2
Define keys, indexes, and capacity
Enter the table name, partition key type, and optional sort key. Configure any secondary indexes and choose On-Demand or Provisioned; provisioned capacity needs read and write units.
3
Create and wait for readiness
Review the definition and select Create Table. Wait for AWS to report the table as ACTIVE before writing items; creation time varies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a DynamoDB table?
A table is a collection of items. Every item must have the table's primary key, while non-key attributes can differ between items.
How much does a DynamoDB table cost?
There is no separate table-creation fee. On-demand tables charge for requests and storage; provisioned tables charge for configured capacity and storage, with additional charges for optional features. Estimate a workload with the
pricing calculator.
Can I create a table with AWS CLI or infrastructure code?
Yes. AWS CLI v2 provides
aws dynamodb create-table; SDKs and the AWS console also support creation. Use the
table schema tool for a request payload, or Dynobase's
infrastructure code generator for supported CDK, CloudFormation, and Terraform definitions.
Do I need to design a schema first?
Define the primary key and any index keys up front. Other attributes are flexible, but access patterns still determine whether your application can use efficient key-based queries.
Which attributes are required?
Every item needs a partition key of the declared type and a sort key when the table has one. Attributes used as index keys must have compatible types when present; you do not declare every non-key attribute in CreateTable.
How do I create a table locally?
Select a configured local profile and use the same creation form. With a CLI or SDK, point the endpoint at your running local service; see
local connection setup.
Is using more than one DynamoDB table acceptable?
Yes. Use single-table or multi-table design according to access patterns, ownership, isolation, and operational requirements. A single table is not an AWS requirement.
How do I create a table from Node.js or Python?
Use
CreateTableCommand in AWS SDK for JavaScript v3 or
create_table in boto3. The
Node.js and
Python guides include examples.
