Error: DynamoDB Local Cannot Create Preexisting Table

Cannot create preexisting table in DynamoDB Local means the table name is already present in the selected local database. Restarting a container does not clear a mounted database file.

1. List or describe tables using the same endpoint, dummy access key and Region as the application.
2. Check whether -sharedDb is enabled. Without it, Local separates database files by access key ID and Region.
3. Remember that Local table names are case-insensitive, unlike real DynamoDB. Orders and orders conflict locally.
4. Make test setup reuse and validate the existing schema, or use distinct test names. Avoid parallel setup processes racing to create the same table.

AWS_ACCESS_KEY_ID=local AWS_SECRET_ACCESS_KEY=local \
aws dynamodb list-tables --region us-east-1 \
  --endpoint-url http://localhost:8000

For disposable tests, a separate -inMemory instance loses its data on shutdown and avoids reusing a persistent volume. Do not delete a shared volume or table as an automatic setup repair; it may contain another test or developer's data. If cleanup is intentional, target only the owned test table.

See Local setup and AWS documentation.