Choosing the right database is a critical choice when building any software application. All databases have different strengths and weaknesses when it comes to performance, so deciding which database has the most benefits and the most minor downsides for your specific use case and data model is an important decision. Below you will find an overview of the key concepts, architecture, features, use cases, and pricing models of AWS DynamoDB and MySQL so you can quickly see how they compare against each other.

The primary purpose of this article is to compare how AWS DynamoDB and MySQL perform for workloads involving time series data, not for all possible use cases. Time series data typically presents a unique challenge in terms of database performance. This is due to the high volume of data being written and the query patterns to access that data. This article doesn’t intend to make the case for which database is better; it simply provides an overview of each database so you can make an informed decision.

AWS DynamoDB vs MySQL Breakdown


 
Database Model

Key-value and document store

Relational database

Architecture

DynamoDB is a fully managed, serverless NoSQL database provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It uses a single-digit millisecond latency for high-performance use cases and supports both key-value and document data models. Data is partitioned and replicated across multiple availability zones within an AWS region, and DynamoDB supports eventual or strong consistency for read operations

MySQL uses a client-server model with a multi-layered server design. It supports the SQL query language and offers various storage engines, such as InnoDB and MyISAM, for different use cases. MySQL can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or as a managed service.

License

Closed source

GNU General Public License v2 (for the open-source Community Edition)

Use Cases

Serverless web applications, real-time bidding platforms, gaming leaderboards, IoT data management, high-velocity data processing

Web applications, e-commerce, data warehousing, content management systems, business applications

Scalability

Automatically scales to handle large amounts of read and write throughput, supports on-demand capacity and auto-scaling, global tables for multi-region replication

Supports vertical scaling by adding more resources to a single node; horizontal scaling can be achieved through replication, sharding, and third-party tools

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AWS DynamoDB Overview

Amazon DynamoDB is a managed NoSQL database service provided by AWS. It was first introduced in 2012, and it was designed to provide low-latency, high-throughput performance. DynamoDB is built on the principles of the Dynamo paper, which was published by Amazon engineers in 2007, and it aims to offer a highly available, scalable, and distributed key-value store.

MySQL Overview

MySQL is an open source relational database management system that was first released in 1995. It is one of the most popular databases worldwide due to its ease of use, reliability, and performance. MySQL is widely used for web applications, online transaction processing, and data warehousing. Oracle Corporation acquired MySQL in 2010, but it remains open source software with an active community of contributors.


AWS DynamoDB for Time Series Data

DynamoDB can be used with time series data, although it may not be the most optimized solution compared to specialized time series databases. To store time series data in DynamoDB, you can use a composite primary key with a partition key for the entity identifier and a sort key for the timestamp. This allows you to efficiently query data for a specific entity and time range. However, DynamoDB’s main weakness when dealing with time series data is its lack of built-in support for data aggregation and downsampling, which are common requirements for time series analysis. You may need to perform these operations in your application or use additional services like AWS Lambda to process the data.

MySQL for Time Series Data

MySQL can be used for storing and analyzing time series data, but it will not be as efficient as a dedicated time series databases. MySQL’s flexibility and support for various indexing techniques can make it a suitable choice for small to medium sized time series datasets. For large-scale time series data workloads, with high write throughput or use cases where low latency queries are required, MySQL will tend to struggle unless highly customized.


AWS DynamoDB Key Concepts

Some of the key terms and concepts specific to DynamoDB include:

  • Tables: In DynamoDB, data is stored in tables, which are containers for items. Each table has a primary key that uniquely identifies each item in the table.
  • Items: Items are individual records in a DynamoDB table, and they consist of one or more attributes.
  • Attributes: Attributes are key-value pairs that make up an item in a table. DynamoDB supports scalar, document, and set data types for attributes.
  • Primary Key: The primary key uniquely identifies each item in a table, and it can be either a single-attribute partition key or a composite partition-sort key.

MySQL Key Concepts

  • Table: A collection of related data organized in rows and columns, which is the primary structure for storing data in MySQL.
  • Primary Key: A unique identifier for each row in a table, used to enforce data integrity and enable efficient querying.
  • Foreign Key: A column or set of columns in a table that refers to the primary key in another table, used to establish relationships between tables.


AWS DynamoDB Architecture

DynamoDB is a NoSQL database that uses a key-value store and document data model. It is designed to provide high availability, durability, and scalability by automatically partitioning data across multiple servers and using replication to ensure fault tolerance. Some of the main components of DynamoDB include:

  • Partitioning: DynamoDB automatically partitions data based on the partition key, which ensures that data is evenly distributed across multiple storage nodes.
  • Replication: DynamoDB replicates data across multiple availability zones within an AWS region, providing high availability and durability.
  • Consistency: DynamoDB offers two consistency models: eventual consistency and strong consistency, allowing you to choose the appropriate level of consistency for your application.

MySQL Architecture

MySQL is a relational database management system that uses SQL for defining and manipulating data. It follows the client-server model, where a MySQL server accepts connections from multiple clients and processes their queries. MySQL’s architecture includes a storage engine framework that allows users to choose from different storage engines, such as InnoDB, MyISAM, or Memory, to optimize the database for specific use cases.

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AWS DynamoDB Features

Auto scaling

DynamoDB can automatically scale its read and write capacity based on the workload, allowing you to maintain consistent performance without over-provisioning resources.

Backup and restore

DynamoDB provides built-in support for point-in-time recovery, enabling you to restore your table to a previous state within the last 35 days.

Global tables

DynamoDB global tables enable you to replicate your table across multiple AWS regions, providing low-latency access and data redundancy for global applications.

Streams

DynamoDB Streams capture item-level modifications in your table and can be used to trigger AWS Lambda functions for real-time processing or to synchronize data with other AWS services.

MySQL Features

ACID compliance

MySQL supports transactions and adheres to the ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) properties, ensuring data integrity and consistency.

Scalability

MySQL can scale both vertically and horizontally, depending on the storage engine and configuration.

Replication and high availability

MySQL supports various replication techniques, including master-slave and master-master replication, to provide high availability and fault tolerance.


AWS DynamoDB Use Cases

Session management

DynamoDB can be used to store session data for web applications, providing fast and scalable access to session information.

Gaming

DynamoDB can be used to store player data, game state, and other game-related information for online games, providing low-latency and high-throughput performance.

Internet of Things

DynamoDB can be used to store and process sensor data from IoT devices, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis of device data.

MySQL Use Cases

Web applications

MySQL is a popular choice for powering web applications, content management systems, and e-commerce platforms due to its flexibility, ease of use, and performance.

Online transaction processing (OLTP)

MySQL is suitable for OLTP systems that require high concurrency, fast response times, and support for transactions.

Data warehousing

While not specifically designed for data warehousing, MySQL can be used for small to medium-sized data warehouses, leveraging its support for indexing, partitioning, and other optimization techniques.


AWS DynamoDB Pricing Model

DynamoDB offers two pricing options: provisioned capacity and on-demand capacity. With provisioned capacity, you specify the number of reads and writes per second that you expect your application to require, and you are charged based on the amount of provisioned capacity. This pricing model is suitable for applications with predictable traffic or gradually ramping traffic. You can use auto scaling to adjust your table’s capacity automatically based on the specified utilization rate, ensuring application performance while reducing costs.

On the other hand, with on-demand capacity, you pay per request for the data reads and writes your application performs on your tables. You do not need to specify how much read and write throughput you expect your application to perform, as DynamoDB instantly accommodates your workloads as they ramp up or down. This pricing model is suitable for applications with fluctuating or unpredictable traffic patterns.

MySQL Pricing Model

MySQL is available in multiple editions with different feature sets and pricing models. The MySQL Community Edition is open source and free to use, while the MySQL Enterprise Edition includes additional features, such as advanced security, monitoring, and management tools, and requires a subscription. Pricing for the Enterprise Edition depends on the number of server instances and the level of support required.