Document databases are a type of NoSQL database that stores data in flexible, JSON-like documents. This gives them the ability to store data with a complex or changing structure. For example, you could use a document database to store customer info such as a customer’s name, address, purchase history, and likes. Login details and passwords are another example. For instance, apps like Android password managers can have document databases as a backend component.
These databases have versatility and can store data in a flexible schema. They’re also easier to use and manage than relational databases because you don’t need to define a strict data structure. Also, they can scale to handle large amounts of data as they can spread data across multiple servers.
MongoDB’s document databases are among the most popular today because they focus on the qualities mentioned above. The document-oriented approach in MongoDB is similar to the way one handles data in programming languages; hence, it becomes easier. It’s a go-to solution for any developer seeking a user-friendly and adaptive solution for storing their data.
Why Use the MongoDB App
The MongoDB app serves as a tool crafted to handle document-oriented data. Its visual interface simplifies working with MongoDB’s document database. Users who aren’t as comfortable with code or need to complete quick tasks like filtering documents or checking statistics will find the MongoDB app useful. It offers a handy option to save time and make database management easier.
This guide shows you how to get started with the MongoDB app. It also provides tips for using it effectively for your document database.
Prerequisites and Starting Setup
To start, you’ll need a database. MongoDB Atlas offers a free database instance to get you going. Atlas provides a cloud platform for setting up and managing MongoDB databases.
Launch your web browser, visit the MongoDB Atlas page and dashboard, and sign in or create an account. After logging in select your preferred cluster, click “Connect,” and go to the “Collections” tab. This opens the MongoDB app interface.
Creating a Collection
The MongoDB app lets you make a new collection, which groups documents with a similar data structure. To make a new collection, click the “Create Collection” button on the left side of the interface.
Name Your Collection: Type a name for your collection. It must be unique in the database.
Define Schema (Optional): Although MongoDB doesn’t require a schema, you can set one for the collection. The schema will outline the expected structure of the documents in the collection.
After you’ve typed in a name for the collection and set up a schema, hit the “Create” button to set up your new collection.
Managing Your Document Database
Selecting Documents: Clicking on a collection in the MongoDB App shows a list of documents. Each document appears on its own line. You can open a document to see its details in JSON format. This shows the document’s fields and their values.
Filtering Documents: The filter bar at the top of the document list lets you narrow down the displayed documents. You can use this bar to filter documents by specific field values.
Sorting Documents: To sort documents in a collection click on a column header. The first click sorts documents from lowest to highest. A second click reverses the order sorting from highest to lowest.
Navigating Documents: The navigation arrows at the top of the document viewer help you move between documents in the collection.
Finding Values in Documents: The search bar at the top of the document viewer allows you to look for specific values in the document. This tool searches all fields in the document.
Managing Fields
You can also edit your documents from within a collection directly using MongoDB App. Click the edit button on the document that you would like to modify in the document list of your collection.
Edit Document Fields: A document is displayed in JSON form. The MongoDB app provides you with inherent JSON editor from where you can change values against the fields within the document directly from the JSON editor.
Add New Fields You can include a new field by simply typing the field name and its value in the JSON editor.
Delete Fields: You can delete fields from a document by clicking the “x” next to the field name in the JSON editor.
Save Changes: Once you are done editing a document, click the save button to save the changes.
You can see the details of the statistics of your database by clicking on the “Statistics” tab in the left sidebar. Here, you will see the number of collections existing in the database, the total storage size in that particular database, the document count, and the size of each collection.
Best Practices of Using the MongoDB Application
Use the Filter Bar: This is a very powerful tool for filtering the documents displayed in a collection. Reduce the number of documents shown from the use of the filter bar—only show those that are of interest. This may save you time and effort when working with large collections.
Organize Your Collections: As your database gets more complex you might find yourself with many collections. To maintain order take some time to specifically name your collections and group related ones together.
Schemas: It’s optional, but consider defining a schema for your collections, especially if you are working with a team. A schema can help you enforce data consistency and help other developers understand the structure of your data.
Document your data: Add comments or descriptions for your documents, which may help log the purpose of specific fields or explain complex data structures.
Take Backups: Database files should always be backed up routinely. For MongoDB Atlas, there is an inbuilt feature to backup and restore data. You could also use applications like Windows Backup, which are pre-installed on a Windows device.
Monitor Your Database Performance You can find basic performance metrics in the MongoDB application. Besides, one can use external services to monitor it more profoundly, such as Datadog and Grafana, and thus detect eventual bottlenecks in your database.
The MongoDB application is a user-friendly companion to aid you in managing your document databases. Follow this guide to learn how to work with your digital assets and manipulate data efficiently.
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