How to Use MongoDB to Create a Document Database
Have you ever wondered how some developers managed to launch their apps in a short period of time?
The answer is simple: they likely use a database-as-a-service (DBaaS) like MongoDB. It is a cloud-based service model that provides users with on-demand access to a fully managed and scalable database system.
What does that mean for developers? It means the cloud service provider handles all aspects of database administration, such as hardware provisioning, software installation, data backups, security, and performance optimization, leaving you free to work on more important tasks.
So if you want to get more done in less time, using MongoDB for your app is the way to go!
But how does MongoDB achieve this? Well, it uses what they call a “document database.” Unlike traditional databases that require structured data, a document database has a flexible schema.
So, want to learn how to create a document database? Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Register an Account on MongoDB Atlas
There are several ways you can make your own document database, but the easiest way to do so (that requires the least effort) is by using the MongoDB Atlas UI.
Just go to the official website, sign up for an account, and provide the necessary information and password.
Step 2: Create a Cluster
Let’s borrow Make Use Of’s definition of a cluster - it’s simply a cloud storage option for hosting a MongoDB database.
So after logging into Atlas, click on the "Build a New Cluster" button. Here, you’ll need to choose the cloud provider and region where your database will be hosted. Select the desired cluster configuration, like cluster tier and storage capacity.
Next, you’ll have to configure the cluster settings. First, assign a name to your cluster and click the “Create Cluster” button.
Step 3: Set Up Network Access
For security reasons, MongoDB requires you to connect your IP address to the cluster. To do this, just go to the “Network Access” section and click “Add IP Address.” Optionally, you can whitelist specific IP addresses or IP ranges for added security.
Step 4: Create a Database User
Aside from connecting an IP address, you’ll need to assign who can access your database. Navigate to the "Database Access" section in the menu, then click on the “Add New Database User” button.
Next, specify a username and password for the database user, then choose your desired authentication method. Lastly, assign the appropriate role for the user, such as read-write access.
Step 5: Create and Connect a Database
Finally, you’re going to create a database! Access your cluster by clicking on its name in the "Clusters" section. In the "Cluster Overview" tab, click on the "Collections" button.
Choose between importing a file or creating a collection. If the former, select a JSON or CSV file to import into a collection. If creating, provide a collection name and define the document schema.
Lastly, you’ll need to connect your database. Return to the “Clusters” section and click on the “Connect” button for your cluster. Then, select your desired connection method. Follow the instructions provided onscreen to establish the connection to your database.
Congratulations! You have successfully created a document database using MongoDB Atlas. You can now begin inserting, querying, and managing your data using MongoDB's powerful features.
Why Go For Document Databases?
As mentioned earlier, document databases have a change-friendly schema, which are ideal for teams that adopt agile methodologies. According to Database Town, document databases are typically used for content management systems, gaming, social media, and financial services.
Not convinced? Here are more benefits document databases provide:
Scalability: By distributing data across multiple servers or clusters, document databases can handle high volumes of read and write operations. This ensures optimal performance as your application grows.
Easy Integration with Modern Technologies: MongoDB’s databases integrate well with modern development frameworks and technologies. They provide native support for popular programming languages and frameworks, allowing developers to interact with the database using familiar tools and libraries.
Faster Development Cycle: Document databases are the answer if you want to launch software fast. Developers can iterate and evolve their application's data model without disrupting the existing data or requiring extensive schema modifications.
So what are you waiting for? Time to build your app with a document database today!