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Alternator API

As explained in ScyllaDB in Action

The Alternator API is ScyllaDB's DynamoDB-compatible client API and protocol.

Alternator is ScyllaDB’s protocol for using a DynamoDB-compatible client directly with ScyllaDB. It presents a key-value-store interface while retaining ScyllaDB’s partitioning, compaction, and repair behavior. section 8.2.3

Use Alternator with these practical considerations:

  • Choose it when an existing DynamoDB client should connect to ScyllaDB without using CQL. section 8.2.3
  • Prefer CQL for new ScyllaDB applications unless DynamoDB API compatibility is a requirement. section 8.2.3
  • Treat read-modify-write transactions carefully: ScyllaDB supports them through lightweight transactions, which may reduce performance. section 8.2.3
  • Remember that client requests still cause internal RPC traffic as nodes gather data from replicas. section 8.2.3

How ScyllaDB in Action covers it

How deep it goes
Defines compatibility and operational differences, but defers detailed DynamoDB coverage and implementation mechanics.
Examples
Uses direct DynamoDB-client access, replica reads, and read-modify-write transactions as concrete examples.
What it assumes
Assumes awareness of DynamoDB or CQL clients while distinguishing the underlying ScyllaDB data model.
What you can do after
Evaluate whether DynamoDB compatibility outweighs CQL’s preferred fit and transaction-performance trade-offs for a new application.
How it connects
Links DynamoDB clients with CQL, partition keys, compaction, repairs, lightweight transactions, and RPC.
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This explainer was generated by Manning's knowledge graph from the text of ScyllaDB in Action. The section links point to the parts of the book it draws on.