KodeKloud AWS Challenge — Day 31: Provisioning a Private MySQL RDS Instance with Storage AutoscalingA step-by-step, cost-aware walkthrough of deploying a private Amazon RDS MySQL database using the AWS free tier — focused on security, scalability, and production readiness.Day 31 of the KodeKloud AWS Challenge shifted focus from compute and networking to — specifically .The Nautilus Development Team required a reliable, scalable, and cost-efficient database for development and testing. The constraints were realistic:The database must be It must stay within the It must support It must be This is exactly how databases are introduced early in real projects — secure first, scalable by default.Task Overview (What Was Required) nautilus-rds db.t3.micro (Free Tier eligible) Private (not publicly accessible) Enabled Instance must be Concept Explanation: Why Amazon RDS?Amazon RDS is a managed relational database service provided by Amazon Web Services.This allows teams to focus on schema design and application logic, not database operations.Why a Private RDS Instance MattersIs accessible only from within the VPCAligns with least-privilege networkingIn production-grade systems, databases are never public.Even in development, security habits matter.Architecture Overview (How This Setup Works)RDS is deployed in Access is controlled via:Applications connect over private IPsStorage grows automatically up to 50 GB if neededThis design balances security, scalability, and cost control.Step-by-Step Implementation (How It Was Done)1️⃣ Started RDS Creation Using Sandbox TemplateThis ensures simplicity and free-tier alignment.2️⃣ Configured Engine and Instance DetailsDB instance identifier: nautilus-rdsInstance class: This configuration stays within free-tier limits while remaining production-compatible.3️⃣ Configured Storage and AutoscalingEnabled Set maximum storage threshold to Left remaining storage settings as defaultThis prevents failures caused by storage exhaustion without overprovisioning upfront.4️⃣ Network and Accessibility SettingsUsed default private subnetsApplied appropriate security group (private access only)This guarantees the database is isolated from the internet.5️⃣ Final Review and CreationReviewed all configurationsWaited until instance status changed to Only an state confirms successful provisioning.Verification (What Confirms Success)The task was considered complete when:RDS instance nautilus-rds appeared in stateEngine and version matched requirementsInstance class was db.t3.microStorage autoscaling showed a 50 GB thresholdPublic accessibility was disabledNo assumptions — only verified state.Databases should always be privateFree-tier resources can still follow best practicesStorage autoscaling prevents silent failuresManaged databases reduce operational overheadEarly architectural discipline pays off laterCost efficiency does not mean cutting corners.Day 31 demonstrated how to responsibly provision a database for development while maintaining production-grade principles.Using Amazon RDS with MySQL, private networking, and autoscaling provides a solid foundation for applications that will eventually grow — without incurring unnecessary costs early on.This is how DevOps balances security, scalability, and budget.If you’re learning AWS or DevOps through hands-on, real-architecture challenges, follow the journey.Each day focuses on understanding systems are designed the way they are — not just how to click them together.