MongoDB is a relatively new open-source database platform. Also known as NoSQL, MongoDB uses dynamic schemas to integrate certain application data types more efficiently than other databases. The program is cross-platform and actually powers the back end for many well-known consumer sites, including Craigslist, LinkedIn, Expedia, the New York Times, Shutterfly, Foursquare, the Weather Channel and eBay.
Features of MongoDB
There are many things that set MongoDB apart from other database platforms. While different users will appreciate different aspects of the software, some of the more notable features include the following:
- MongoDB is Document-Oriented. Rather than breaking related pieces of data into separate items within the database, MongoDB is designed to store all relevant data together in individual documents.
- MongoDB is built to scale data horizontally. Using a technique called “sharding,” data is parsed into multiple ranges (shards) based on the shard key that is chosen by the user.
- JavaScript is executed server-side. MongoDB is more efficient than other database programs because JavaScript is able to execute its queries and functions directly in the database rather than being passed between servers.
- MongoDB allows indexing. Users are able to create primary and secondary indices in the database to help organize their data.
- Data replication across multiple machines results in better file storage. This enables MongoDB to be used as a filing system using a process called GridFS.
- MapReduce can be used for data aggregation and batch processing. This makes it more efficient to access and process data.
- Queries may be executed as they are needed to pull more specific data. This means that the end-user has more power in terms of finding the relevant data that he/she is searching for.
History of MongoDB
MongoDB was originally first developed in 2007 with the intention of selling it as a platform as a service (PaaS) product. In 2009, the developer decided to make the platform open source and today it is available under both the Apache License and the GNU Affero General Public License. The platform has been downloaded over 10 million times to date and boasts over 35,000 active members in its user groups. The official MongoDB homepage boasts that it is the “world’s fastest-growing database community.”
Learn How to Use MongoDB
If you think MongoDB can help you manage your site or application’s database, we highly recommend that you give it a shot. As we mentioned above, there are over 35,000 active members in MongoDB user groups – a strong showing indeed! MongoDB also offers its own online “university” to help users get the most out of the platform. And keep in mind, MongoDB is open-source, so there’s truly nothing to lose if you decide to try it. What are you waiting for?