MCQs on Performance Optimization in Amazon RDS | AWS RDS Quiz

AWS RDS MCQ Questions and Answers: Chapter 7 – Performance Optimization in Amazon RDS

Optimizing performance in Amazon RDS involves refining query execution, selecting the right instance and storage types, and implementing database-specific tuning techniques. Monitoring latency and resource usage ensures efficient database operations. Practice these AWS RDS MCQs on performance optimization to enhance your understanding of this crucial aspect of RDS management.

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Multiple-Choice Questions

Query Optimization and Indexing

1. Which feature in RDS helps analyze query execution and improve efficiency?
   a) Query Execution Analyzer
   b) Performance Insights
   c) Query Execution Plan
   d) AWS Cost Explorer
2. What is the primary purpose of indexing in RDS databases?
   a) Improve security
   b) Speed up data retrieval
   c) Reduce storage usage
   d) Encrypt database tables
3. Which type of index is best for improving the performance of complex queries?
   a) Primary index
   b) Composite index
   c) Unique index
   d) Foreign key index
4. How can you identify slow queries in Amazon RDS?
   a) Monitor the RDS Event Log
   b) Use Performance Insights or Slow Query Logs
   c) Check the AWS Billing Dashboard
   d) Enable automatic indexing
5. When should an index be avoided in RDS databases?
   a) When tables are large
   b) When tables are frequently updated
   c) When queries involve sorting
   d) When queries include joins

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Optimizing Instance and Storage Performance

6. Which instance type is best suited for memory-intensive database workloads?
   a) db.t3.micro
   b) db.r5.large
   c) db.m5.large
   d) db.t2.small
7. What does Provisioned IOPS (PIOPS) provide in RDS?
   a) Increased data durability
   b) High throughput and consistent performance
   c) Reduced latency for database replication
   d) Automated backups
8. How does choosing the correct instance size affect performance?
   a) It guarantees zero downtime.
   b) It determines the number of users supported.
   c) It optimizes cost while meeting workload demands.
   d) It reduces database migration time.
9. Which storage type is recommended for high-performance databases?
   a) General Purpose SSD
   b) Magnetic Storage
   c) Cold HDD
   d) Provisioned IOPS SSD
10. How can you scale RDS instance storage dynamically?
    a) Modify storage settings in the AWS CLI
    b) Use RDS Auto-Scaling policies
    c) Enable storage auto-scaling during instance creation
    d) Create a new instance with larger storage

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Database Engine-Specific Tuning (e.g., MySQL, PostgreSQL)

11. In MySQL, which parameter adjusts the maximum number of connections?
    a) max_connections
    b) connection_pool_size
    c) db_connection_limit
    d) user_connection_threshold
12. What is a common method to optimize PostgreSQL query performance?
    a) Enable query caching
    b) Analyze and vacuum the database
    c) Increase the transaction isolation level
    d) Configure slow query logs
13. Which engine-specific feature does Aurora offer to improve performance?
    a) Auto Vacuum
    b) Query Cache Optimization
    c) Read Replicas with Auto-Scaling
    d) In-Memory Column Store
14. What does the parameter innodb_buffer_pool_size in MySQL control?
    a) Disk space allocation
    b) Memory available for caching data and indexes
    c) Number of active threads
    d) Query timeout duration
15. How can you reduce replication lag in PostgreSQL RDS?
    a) Increase the write-ahead log buffer size
    b) Use synchronous replication
    c) Reduce the number of read replicas
    d) Increase the database size

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Monitoring and Reducing Latency

16. Which AWS feature helps monitor database performance metrics?
    a) CloudWatch
    b) Cost Explorer
    c) Trusted Advisor
    d) Security Hub
17. What is a typical cause of high database latency in RDS?
    a) Insufficient CPU credits
    b) Excessive backup retention
    c) Overloaded query execution
    d) High IOPS allocation
18. How can you reduce read latency in Amazon RDS?
    a) Enable multi-AZ deployment
    b) Use read replicas
    c) Disable automated backups
    d) Increase backup frequency
19. Which metric indicates high database write latency?
    a) Read throughput
    b) Write IOPS
    c) Free storage space
    d) Write latency in CloudWatch
20. What is a recommended practice to handle high latency during peak times?
    a) Switch to a smaller instance size
    b) Increase connection pooling
    c) Reduce the number of read replicas
    d) Lower the backup frequency

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Answer Key

Qno	Answer
1	b) Performance Insights
2	b) Speed up data retrieval
3	b) Composite index
4	b) Use Performance Insights or Slow Query Logs
5	b) When tables are frequently updated
6	b) db.r5.large
7	b) High throughput and consistent performance
8	c) It optimizes cost while meeting workload demands
9	d) Provisioned IOPS SSD
10	c) Enable storage auto-scaling during instance creation
11	a) max_connections
12	b) Analyze and vacuum the database
13	c) Read Replicas with Auto-Scaling
14	b) Memory available for caching data and indexes
15	a) Increase the write-ahead log buffer size
16	a) CloudWatch
17	c) Overloaded query execution
18	b) Use read replicas
19	d) Write latency in CloudWatch
20	b) Increase connection pooling