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DynamoDB Local

docs.aws.amazon.com

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Spec score 8.0 #11 of 21 in Service Virtualization Software

What it is

DynamoDB Local lets developers develop and test applications without accessing the DynamoDB web service. It can run without an internet connection, and AWS says local use can help avoid throughput, storage and data-transfer fees. Developers can obtain it as a download, Apache Maven dependency or Docker image, and AWS documents use with the AWS CLI, AWS SDKs, Docker Compose, Maven and AWS CloudShell. Data can persist in a local database file or remain in memory, where it is lost when DynamoDB Local stops. The downloadable version requires configured credentials, though AWS says they need not be valid AWS credentials for local access. AWS identifies v3.x as current and recommends it for local testing and development; v2.x is legacy and v1.x is deprecated. Running v2.6.0 or later requires JRE 17.x or newer. Telemetry can be disabled with a command-line option or environment settings. DynamoDB Local does not support point-in-time recovery, tagging or vector indexes; it also lacks parallel scans, ignores provisioned throughput settings and treats table names as case insensitive. AWS describes it as a development and testing tool, not a production service.

Spec sheet

Purpose
DynamoDB Local lets developers develop and test applications without accessing the DynamoDB web service.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Integrations
AWS documents using DynamoDB Local with the AWS CLI, AWS SDKs, Docker Compose, Maven, and AWS CloudShell.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Behavior differences
DynamoDB Local does not support parallel scans, ignores provisioned throughput settings, and treats table names as case insensitive.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Cost benefit
AWS says the local version can help save on throughput, data storage, and data transfer fees, and can be used without an internet connection during development.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Credentials
The downloadable version requires configured credentials to work, but AWS says the credentials do not have to be valid AWS credentials for local access.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Distribution
DynamoDB Local is available as a downloadable archive, an Apache Maven dependency, or a Docker image.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Feature limitation
DynamoDB Local does not support point-in-time recovery, tagging, or vector indexes.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Persistence
DynamoDB Local can store data in a local database file or run in memory, in which case data is not saved when DynamoDB Local stops.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Production use
AWS describes the downloadable version as intended for development and testing, while the managed DynamoDB web service is intended for production use.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Runtime
Running DynamoDB Local v2.6.0 or later on a computer requires JRE version 17.x or newer.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Telemetry
DynamoDB Local collects generic usage metrics, system and environment information, and errors; AWS says it does not collect personal information or extract sensitive project-level information.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Telemetry control
Telemetry can be disabled with the -disableTelemetry command-line option or through environment settings.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com
Version
AWS identifies v3.x as the current version and recommends it for local testing and development; v2.x is legacy and v1.x is deprecated.Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com

Plans and prices

DynamoDB Local Free Free download For local development and testing · Not intended for production Read 5 Oct 2026 · docs.aws.amazon.com

Every DynamoDB Local plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Runs locally without an internet connection.
  • Available as a download, Maven dependency or Docker image.
  • Can save data to a local file or run in memory.
  • Telemetry can be disabled.
  • Free for local development and testing.

Limits

  • Not intended for production use.
  • v2.x is legacy and v1.x is deprecated.
  • v2.6.0 or later requires JRE 17.x or newer.
  • Does not support point-in-time recovery, tagging or vector indexes.

Who it suits

It suits developers building and testing applications that use DynamoDB, especially when local or offline development is useful. AWS positions the managed DynamoDB web service, rather than DynamoDB Local, for production use.

Verdict

DynamoDB Local gives developers a free local environment for application development and testing, with several distribution and integration options. Its behavior differs from the managed service, and AWS does not intend it for production.

Where Specifiction places it

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