How to Access DynamoDB using NoSQL Workbench

Introduction

Amazon DynamoDB is a very popular NoSQL database service that is serverless, key-value, and document-based, providing single-digit millisecond performance for workloads of all sizes. Your DynamoDB tables can be accessed and managed using a variety of methods, including the AWS CLI, AWS Management Console, NoSQL Workbench, PartiQL, SDKs, and DynamoDB Local.

NoSQL Workbench is a cross-platform client-side graphical user interface (GUI) program for modern database construction and operations that can be used to access Amazon DynamoDB. It works with Linux, macOS, and Windows. NoSQL Workbench is a visual development tool that helps you design, create, query, and manage DynamoDB tables. It offers tools for data modeling, data visualization, and query creation. DynamoDB local is now included in NoSQL Workbench as an optional installation step, making data modeling in DynamoDB local simpler.

NoSQL Workbench

NoSQL Workbench has the following components-

Data Modeler– You can create new data models from scratch or develop models based on pre-existing data models that meet the data access patterns of your application using NoSQL Workbench for DynamoDB. Upon completion of the process, the designed data model can also be imported and exported.

Data Visualizer– Without needing to create code, the data model visualizer offers a canvas on which you can map queries and see the application’s access patterns or facets. In DynamoDB, each facet relates to a distinct access pattern. Sample data can be automatically generated for use in your data model.

Operation Builder– You can create and test queries using the sophisticated graphical user interface offered by NoSQL Workbench. The operation builder allows you to examine, explore, and query real-time datasets. The structured operation builder can also be used to create and carry out data plane operations. It allows for the generation of sample code in several languages and provides projection and condition expression.

Download, Install, and Work with NoSQL Workbench to access DynamoDB.

1. 1. Download NoSQL Workbench from the below link
   2. Now follow the steps given below to install NoSQL Workbench and use root user credentials.
      • Choose your operating system and proceed as directed. After selecting Windows, launch the NoSQL Workbench installer and select the setup language. Next, select OK to start the setup.
      • Select Next to proceed with the setup, and select Next again on the next screen.
      • Installing DynamoDB local is chosen by default when it comes to including DynamoDB local in the installation. After deciding where you want the software to be installed, select Next.
      • Select the default port number 8000 to be used with DynamoDB local. Select Next once the port number has been entered.
      • Select Next to start the setup process.
      • Select Finish to exit the setup screen after the setup is finished.
      • Start the application by going to /programs/DynamoDBWorkbench/ in your installation path. The following screen will open.

      

   3. Now click on AWS database Catalog, and click on Launch button to Amazon DynamoDB
      
      
   4. Now, from left Panel, choose Amazon DynamoDB and then click on Create a new data model.
      
   5. You will get two options, “make model from scratch” or “Start from template.” Select Start from the template, and select the last option, “Employee data model.”
      
   6. In the Create data model for the Amazon DynamoDB window, save it as Employee and give the Author name. If you want to use schema only, then select “Schema only,” and if you want some sample data as well, then select “Schema with sample data” and click on Create.
      
   7. Successfully created message will come, and then click on visualize data models.
      
   8. Now click on update, and the table content will open with import CSV file, Add data, and Edit data as options.
      
   9. Click on Add data, and then a new window with all content in edit mode will open. Click on Add item and insert the new entry, then click on Save.
      
      
      
   10. If you want to edit any data, click on edit, do the modification, and save.
       
   11. When you are done with all the changes, click on commit to Amazon DynamoDB.
       
   12. Now, on saved connection, select default as this profile has permission to access DynamoDB, and then click on commit.
       
   13. Now, it will automatically take you to the operation builder tab, and you will get a successfully committed message on the window of an active connection. Choose default and click open. It will display all the tables created with this profile.
       
   14. You can select any table to see the items on that table.
       
   15. Once you commit to Amazon DynamoDB (step 12), your table will be created on the AWS cloud and visible on the console.
       
   16. Whatever changes you make to the tables on the console, the same will be reflected in the NoSQL Workbench.

Conclusion

DynamoDB web service is a managed service with availability, scalability, and durability that is ideal for production use. DynamoDB can be accessed in multiple ways. One of the ways is to use NoSQL Workbench for DynamoDB. NoSQL Workbench for DynamoDB helps refine the design of the data model based on the access patterns and generates the code to start the implementation of your application. It could use DynamoDB Local to experiment without the need for an internet connection.

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