Why use a managed database (RDS) instead of DB on EC2?

Managed RDS

For Why use a managed database (RDS) instead of DB on EC2, interviewers listen for a crisp definition, how the pieces interact in a real system, and one trade-off or failure mode you have seen or would guard against.

• Automated backups, patching minor versions, Multi-AZ failover.
• You still design schema, indexes, queries.
• EC2 self-managed DB = more control, more ops burden.