What is the difference between DMS endpoint settings and DMS extra connection attributes? when to use what?

In AWS Database Migration Service (DMS), both Endpoint settings and Extra Connection Attributes play crucial roles in defining the connections to source and target databases, but they serve different purposes:

1. Endpoint Settings: Definition: Endpoint settings in DMS refer to the configuration details that define the source or target database connection. These settings include information such as the endpoint type (source/target), endpoint URL, port, database name, username, password, etc. Usage: Endpoint settings are primarily used to specify the basic connection parameters required for establishing connections to the source and target databases. They are essential for identifying and authenticating the database endpoints. Example: When setting up a DMS task, you define endpoint settings to specify the source and target database endpoints. For example, when connecting to an Amazon RDS MySQL database as a source, you'll provide the RDS instance endpoint, port, username, password, etc., in the endpoint settings.

2. Extra Connection Attributes: Definition: Extra Connection Attributes in DMS are additional parameters or custom settings that can be used to fine-tune or modify the behavior of the database connection. These attributes can include settings related to SSL, character set, data format, connection timeouts, etc., which are not part of the standard endpoint settings. Usage: Extra Connection Attributes are used when you need to customize or fine-tune the database connection behavior beyond the standard endpoint settings. They allow you to specify advanced options or settings supported by the database engine. Example:Let's say you want to modify the SSL behavior or set a specific character set for the database connection. In such cases, you can define extra connection attributes to specify options like "sslMode=REQUIRED" or "characterSet=utf8" for MySQL endpoints.

When to Use What:

Endpoint Settings: Use endpoint settings to define the fundamental connection parameters required to establish connections to source and target databases. These settings are essential and must be correctly configured for DMS to establish connections.

Extra Connection Attributes: Use extra connection attributes when you need to customize or modify the behavior of the database connection beyond the standard settings. They allow for more granular control over specific connection options supported by the database engine.

Example: Suppose you're migrating data from an on-premises Oracle database to Amazon RDS for PostgreSQL. In the endpoint settings, you'll provide the basic connection details for both the Oracle source and the PostgreSQL target. Additionally, in the extra connection attributes for PostgreSQL, you might specify options related to SSL encryption or specific PostgreSQL database settings to optimize the migration process.