Getting Started with Python and DynamoDB

DynamoDB is a fully managed NoSQL database service provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). Integrating it with Python allows developers to build scalable and high-performance applications. This guide covers the initial setup and installation steps.

Local DynamoDB Server Setup

For development and testing purposes, you can run a local instance of DynamoDB using Docker. This avoids incurring AWS costs during the development phase.

$ docker run -it -p 8000:4567 ruanbekker/dynamodb

Installing the AWS SDK for Python (boto3)

The boto3 library is the official AWS SDK for Python, enabling you to interact with DynamoDB and other AWS services. Install it using pip:

$ pip install boto3

Exploring Python DynamoDB Examples

To understand how to perform common operations like creating tables, putting items, and querying data, refer to the provided examples. These examples demonstrate practical usage scenarios for Python with DynamoDB.

See the examples in python/

Key Concepts for Python DynamoDB Development

When working with DynamoDB in Python, understanding core concepts is crucial for efficient data modeling and querying. This includes familiarity with primary keys (partition and sort keys), secondary indexes (global and local), and data types.

Best Practices for DynamoDB with Python

To optimize performance and manage costs effectively, follow best practices for DynamoDB. This includes choosing appropriate primary keys, designing efficient access patterns, and utilizing provisioned throughput or on-demand capacity modes based on your application's needs.