MongoDB is a NoSQL document database developed to build highly scalable applications. As an open-source document-based tool, MongoDB is practical for high-volume data storage, making it essential among a global community of developers.
One of MongoDB’s most notable features is access to drivers for all major programming languages. It allows you to start building your application immediately with minimal database configuration. The document-oriented data model and unstructured query language provide flexibility.
Here are the benefits of MongoDB and why many developers who prefer agile methodologies use it.
Benefit #1: Scale-Out Architecture
MongoDB uses a scale-out architecture, which allows multiple machines to work together to handle large amounts of data and deliver fast output. This architecture is popular with developers as it will enable them to build scalable applications with adaptable schemas. MongoDB’s schema is less rigid than relational databases, allowing for more diverse data structures within a single document.
MongoDB is designed as a fully scalable document database that supports large amounts of data and traffic. As your business grows, so can the data it maintains.
Benefit #2: Document Model
MongoDB provides official drivers for many modern programming languages, including C, C# and .NET, C++, Go, Java, and JavaScript. Other popular languages include PHP, Python, Ruby, Rust, Scala, and Swift. This extensive driver support allows developers to implement their preferred language when working with MongoDB, increasing efficiency.
Benefit #3: Flexible Document Databases
Instead of storing data in rows or columns (like in an SQL database), data is a document described in BSON in a MongoDB database. BSON is ‘Binary JSON format’ and supports more data types than JSON. This format helps with data parsing. Applications typically retrieve data in a JSON-like format.
One of MongoDB’s key strengths is its flexible document structure. You can modify the structure of individual documents in a collection without altering the entire schema. MongoDB also stores partially completed documents. In addition, it can nest complex data objects into documents using JSON-like syntax.
MongoDB uses sharding to manage large datasets. This technique distributes data across multiple servers. Sharding allows faster data retrieval and improved performance, especially for complex queries.
Benefit #4: Database Schema Control
MongoDB offers more schema flexibility compared to strictly relational databases. You can adjust and reformat it as the application evolves. MongoDB can also coordinate document structure changes using schema validation.
Benefit #5: Faster Query Performance
MongoDB prioritizes in-memory storage to enhance query performance. It stores data on the hard disk for persistent storage and retrieval even after the system restarts. To improve query performance, MongoDB caches frequently accessed data. This method allows faster retrieval during subsequent queries.
In addition, MongoDB excels at handling unplanned queries due to its document structure and indexing capabilities. Documents can store diverse data structures, so retrieving information based on various criteria is easier.
Benefit #6: Multiple Deployment Options
Through MongoDB Atlas, MongoDB is available in almost any major public cloud, such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. For organizations that need direct control over their data infrastructure, the Enterprise Advanced edition caters to large data center deployments. The open-source Community edition offers a free version ideal for personal projects, development environments, or exploring MongoDB.
Benefit #7: MongoDB Atlas Features
MongoDB Atlas Search is easy to use with full-text search. Atlas App Services is a fully managed back-end service for mobile and web apps. MongoDB Atlas Data Lake allows developers to query and combine Atlas data with external data from Amazon S3 or an HTTPS store.
Benefit #8: Easy for Beginners
MongoDB is easy to learn for developers who want to write code. It uses a simple syntax and an expressive query language, which some people find easier to grasp than SQL. MongoDB is also beginner-friendly in installation and setup. It offers comprehensive documentation with user-friendly tools for a smooth onboarding experience.
Also, MongoDB offers modern JavaScript frameworks, so developers comfortable with JavaScript can leverage their existing knowledge. Rather than starting with a completely new syntax, the initial learning curve may be shortened.
Benefit #9: Find Answers and Get Help
MongoDB has a large community backing it, with developers and consultants worldwide. It’s easy to find answers to common and uncommon questions, so get help whenever needed. Find technical support in the community, Atlas or Cloud Manager, Enterprise or Ops Manager, and more.
Benefit #10: Long-Term Success
MongoDB allows you to create applications with excellent long-term scalability. MongoDB can handle increasing demands as your user base and data volume grow. Scale to excessively high levels of read and write traffic without issue.
Likewise, scale your data and evolve your deployment as external factors change. MongoDB’s data model is flexible, meaning you can modify the data structure as your application grows. Doing so eliminates the need for significant restructuring efforts.
