In simple English
MongoDB is a database that stores your application data in flexible records instead of rigid rows and columns. When your app needs to save user profiles or content items, this system accepts them without needing a strict preset structure. You can run it on your own server or let a cloud service manage it for you. It requires a powerful server with plenty of RAM and disk space to run smoothly. The source code is open for you to inspect, but the specific licence limits how you can offer it as a paid service to others.
What it is
MongoDB is the source code repository for the popular NoSQL database engine written in C++. It includes the core database server, the sharding router for scaling across multiple machines, and build scripts for packaging.
What it is good for
Solo builders who want to store application data without writing complex table migrations every time their product changes.
- Stores data as flexible JSON-like documents that match your code objects easily.
- Scales across multiple servers using built-in sharding routers when your app grows.
- Provides client drivers for almost every programming language you might use.
- Requires significant RAM and system resources to run reliably in production.
- Uses the Server Side Public License (SSPL), which restricts offering it as a managed database service.
- Building the source code from scratch takes a long time and complex dependencies.
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brew tap mongodb/brew brew install mongodb-community