DynamoDB Import and Export

Import and Export Overview

Import and Export is a building block you will reach for often in DynamoDB. It keeps related logic together and makes your intent obvious to reviewers and future maintainers.

When you learn import and export properly, you avoid the guesswork that leads to bugs and rework. The example below shows the shape you will use in most real DynamoDB projects.

import { DynamoDBClient } from '@aws-sdk/client-dynamodb';
import { DynamoDBDocumentClient, GetCommand, PutCommand } from '@aws-sdk/lib-dynamodb';

const client = new DynamoDBClient({});
const docClient = DynamoDBDocumentClient.from(client);

// reuse docClient across the module for efficient, typed access
await docClient.send(new PutCommand({ TableName: 'Orders', Item: { pk: '1' } }));

The DynamoDBDocumentClient maps plain JavaScript objects to DynamoDB item format for you.

Import and Export Example

import { DynamoDBClient } from '@aws-sdk/client-dynamodb';
import { DynamoDBDocumentClient } from '@aws-sdk/lib-dynamodb';

const docClient = DynamoDBDocumentClient.from(new DynamoDBClient({}));
// docClient.send(new PutCommand(...)) etc.

• Start from a minimal Import and Export example and grow it only as needed.
• Keep configuration explicit so Import and Export behaves the same in every environment.
• Name things clearly so teammates understand your Import and Export at a glance.
• Add tests around Import and Export early to lock in expected behaviour.

Amazon DynamoDB Cheatsheet

Handy DynamoDB (AWS SDK v3) reference related to import and export.

How Import and Export Works in DynamoDB

Import and Export builds on DynamoDB's key-value and document model, where every item lives in a partition chosen by its partition key and is optionally ordered by a sort key.

The DynamoDBDocumentClient maps plain JavaScript objects to DynamoDB item format for you.

• Design access patterns first, then model keys around them.
• Prefer Query over Scan for predictable performance.
• Use expressions to read and write only what you need.
• Keep items small and avoid hot partitions.

Practical Guidance for Import and Export

In production, import and export should be cost-aware and resilient. Right-size capacity, handle throttling with retries, and lean on indexes to support your query patterns.

Common Mistakes

• Copying import and export snippets without understanding what each line does.
• Skipping error handling and edge cases when wiring up import and export.
• Leaving import and export untested, so regressions slip into production.
• Over-engineering import and export before you actually need the extra flexibility.

Key Takeaways

• Import and Export is a core part of working effectively with DynamoDB.
• Start small and keep import and export focused on a single responsibility.
• Apply consistent patterns so import and export scales across your project.
• Test and document import and export to keep it maintainable over time.