MongoDB

MongoDB is a non-relational database management system, as opposed to a ​ ​relational database, that allows various forms of data to be stored. Non-relational databases, store data in flexible formats, such as key-value pairs or documents, offering greater scalability and performance for handling large volumes of unstructured data.

Developed in the late 2000s, MongoDB, has continuously evolved and gained popularity, enabling its application across a wide range of industries and use cases.

Discover what MongoDB is and how it can be used.

What is MongoDB?

MongoDB definition: MongoDB is a non-relational database that stores data in JSON-like documents, a lightweight format for storing and transporting data.

JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a text-based data format. It is designed to be easy for people to read and write, as well as easy for machines to parse and generate. JSON uses a simple, text-based structure with key-value pairs and arrays to represent data.

In MongoDB, data is stored in a format called BSON (Binary JSON), which extends JSON to include more data types. MongoDB can store and query this data efficiently, making it a powerful tool for applications that require flexible, efficient and scalable data storage.

The key aspect of MongoDB is that it is a NoSQL database, meaning that it stores data in a non-tabular format. That is, MongoDB stores documents composed of fields (key-value pairs) rather than rows and columns, with each field having a unique object ID. This format provides an elastic data storage model that allows for greater flexibility and scalability in data management. Several databases can be compared to MongoDB. However, its ability to store data and documents in a flexible, non-relational format is unique.

The collections of documents stored within MongoDB are the basic units of data. Due to their BSON format, these documents can store various types of data, making MongoDB a versatile database for housing a variety of data in different formats.

How does MongoDB work?

MongoDB stores documents in Binary JSON format, which is optimized for speed and supports rich data types. These capabilities make BSON the perfect format for MongoDB as it can handle collections of different data types, matching the database’s flexibility. Each document is a collection of key-value pairs, as shown in the following example:

​{

"name": "Alice", 

 "age": 29, 

 "skills": ["JavaScript", "Python"], 

 "address": { "city": "Boston", "zip": 10001 } 

} 

These key-value pairs — such as the field name and the value Alice — are grouped within a document. MongoDB’s flexibility is highlighted by the fact that no fixed schema is enforced. Each document is allowed to have different fields, which accommodate more varied data.

What is the history of MongoDB?

MongoDB has a relatively short history, with its origins starting around two decades ago. During this time, the evolution of MongoDB has been nothing short of groundbreaking.

• 2007, foundations: Three people—Dwight Merriman, Eliot Horowitz, and Kevin Ryan—founded 10Gen, the company that established MongoDB. They also founded an internet ad service called DoubleClick, which is now owned by Google.
• 2009, establishment of the open-source project: The MongoDB open-source project was founded in 2009 under the authority of 10Gen.
• 2013, name change: Due to the success and popularity of MongoDB, the focus of 10Gen shifted and its new name, MongoDB, Inc., represented this shift in focus.
• 2019, service change: Following several successful years of development, MongoDB, Inc., partnered with Alibaba Cloud to maintain its fast growth.

What are key types of MongoDB?

There are a few different types of MongoDB that target specific use cases and user requirements.

• The MongoDB Community Edition is the free version of the tool, which includes a multitude of features and all essential functionality, such as document storage. This edition is predominantly used by small-scale developers or organizations who do not require additional features.
• MongoDB Enterprise Edition is a step up from the Community Edition, providing advanced security features, further backup and recovery tools, and advanced performance monitoring. Organizations that require enhanced security features and operational tools will benefit from this version.
• The MongoDB Atlas Edition provides a fully managed, cloud-based version of MongoDB, with a full list of vital features. All of the deployment, scaling, updates and backups are fully automated, and a number of monitoring and performance optimization tools are built in. This version is perfect for larger developers or organizations that require additional built-in tools and robust security to avoid mismanaging infrastructure.

How is MongoDB used?

Due to the system's flexibility, MongoDB can be used across a wide range of fields and industries.

Mobile applications enhance the efficiency of development processes and organizations. The JSON document model helps store vital back-end data information, which highlights the flexibility of MongoDB. For example, auction companies can use MongoDB to store billions of product listings, user profiles and transaction data. It aggregates data throughout different environments, allowing developers the freedom and ability to scale their applications flawlessly.

Content management systems also benefit from MongoDB, which simplifies adding new features or attributes to the website while using a single database. These characteristics make the implementations simple and time conscious.

Real-time analytics are crucial for businesses that are scaling up their operations. Accessing large datasets can be critical for upscaling efforts and obtaining real-time business insights. A MongoDB simplifies this process and converts documents into Java objects seamlessly, making the whole process more efficient. For instance, some online publishers use MongoDB to gain critical insights into the social sharing of their articles and capitalize on stories going viral in real time.