Want me to guide you through the DynamoDB setup, or jump straight to building the API routes once you’ve created the table?

User: Yes, can you please walk me through the DynamoDB setup. I have never done it before

GitHub Copilot: # DynamoDB Table Setup - Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Navigate to DynamoDB

1. Log into AWS Console at https://console.aws.amazon.com
2. Make sure you’re in the correct region - top right should show us-east-2 (Ohio)
   • If not, click the region dropdown and select “US East (Ohio)”
3. Search for DynamoDB:
   • Type “DynamoDB” in the search bar at the top
   • Click on “DynamoDB” under Services

Step 2: Create the Table

1. Click “Create table” (orange button on the right)

2. Table details:

   • Table name: DeviceOwnership
   • Partition key: deviceId (leave type as “String”)
   • Sort key: Leave blank (we don’t need one)

3. Table settings section:

   • Select “Default settings” (should already be selected)
   • This gives you:
     • Table class: DynamoDB Standard
     • Capacity mode: On-demand
     • Perfect for development

4. Skip the Tags section (optional)

5. Click “Create table” (orange button at bottom right)

Step 3: Wait for Table Creation

• Table status will show “Creating…” for 30-60 seconds
• When status shows “Active” in green, proceed to next step

Step 4: Add the Global Secondary Index (GSI)

What is Global Secondary Index?

1. Click on your table name (DeviceOwnership) if not already there
2. Click the “Indexes” tab
3. Click “Create index” button
4. Index settings:
   • Index name: userId-index (should auto-fill)
   • Partition key: userId (String)
   • Sort key: Leave blank
   • Attribute projections: All (default)
5. Click “Create index”
6. Wait 30 seconds for index status to become “Active”

Step 5: Test with Sample Data (Optional)

1. Go to “Explore table items” tab

2. Click “Create item”

3. Add attributes:

   • deviceId (already there): TEST123
   • Click “Add new attribute” → String → Name: userId → Value: testuser@example.com
   • Click “Add new attribute” → String → Name: deviceName → Value: Test Dispenser
   • Click “Add new attribute” → String → Name: claimedAt → Value: 2026-02-13T19:00:00Z

4. Click “Create item”

5. Test the GSI:

   • Click “Scan or query items”
   • Change dropdown from “Scan” to “Query”
   • Select index: userId-index
   • Enter userId = testuser@example.com
   • Click “Run”
   • You should see your test item!

You’re done! 🎉 The table is ready.