Can you run DynamoDB locally?

Yes. AWS ships DynamoDB Local, a free downloadable version of DynamoDB that runs on your own machine as a Docker image, a Java executable, or an Apache Maven dependency. It exposes the same API as the web service, so you can develop and test offline, then simply point your code at AWS.

Three ways to run it

• Docker image — the most common choice: one docker run and the endpoint is up on a local port.
• Downloadable archive — a Java application you launch directly (requires a JRE).
• Apache Maven dependency — embed it in JVM test suites.

Why develop locally

The database is self-contained on your computer, so you save on throughput, data storage, and data transfer fees — and you don't need an internet connection while developing. When you're ready to deploy, you remove the local endpoint from the code and it points at the DynamoDB web service.

Mind the differences

DynamoDB Local emulates the API, but it is not the production engine — AWS documents behavioral differences in its usage notes (throughput isn't enforced, for example). Treat it as a functional dev/test double, not a performance model.

Go deeper

The DynamoDB Local guide walks through setup step by step, and the local & LocalStack connection guide shows how to point a GUI at it — DynoTable connects to local endpoints exactly like it connects to AWS. Test your first query with the expression builder.

References

• Setting up DynamoDB local (downloadable version) — Amazon DynamoDB Developer Guide
• DynamoDB local usage notes — Amazon DynamoDB Developer Guide
• Deploying DynamoDB locally on your computer — Amazon DynamoDB Developer Guide

Last verified 2026-07-13 against the official AWS documentation linked above.