In this tutorial, I am going to discuss the ultimate difference between MongoDB vs Mongoose – the two often jumbled things by beginners. When getting started with app development and using MongoDB as its backend, most beginners tend to mix up the two concepts. Well, this post is more like a troubleshooter for them.
Most of you must have already been to Stack Overflow looking for answers and didn’t find explanations that a beginner’s brain can digest because of all that code. MongoDB has its uses, functions, and features while Mongoose, although it works in synchronization with MongoDB, has its differences and use cases.
In this tutorial for beginners, I will explain the clear and ultimate difference between MongoDB and Mongoose. This piece will also throw light on the advantages. By the end of this tutorial, you will hopefully be able to differentiate what both do on their own and how they are different.
So, let us get started!
MongoDB vs Mongoose – A Quick Overview
| MongoDB | Mongoose |
| Database management system | Object document mapper |
| Stores giant amounts of data | Manages relationships between data |
| Supports multiple languages | Works only with MongoDB |
| Stores collections in the database | Defines schema for collections |
Difference Between MongoDB and Mongoose: Synopsis
Just like any other comparison guide, this one on the difference between MongoDB vs Mongoose begins with a crisp synopsis.
MongoDB
MongoDB is a document-oriented database management system that stores data in the form of BSON documents. It is a NoSQL also known as a Not-only SQL type database allowing users to store gigantic amounts of data. Unlike SQL databases where data is stored in the form of tables, a NoSQL database stores data efficiently as documents inside collections.
The MongoDB database management service is developed and managed by MongoDB Inc. It was first launched in the February of 2009 and is currently managed under SSPL (Server-Side Public License).
MongoDB is recognized by developers worldwide not only because of the efficiency and smoothness it provides when handling data, but also because of its driver support for popular languages like Nodejs, PHP, Java, Go, .Net, C, C++, Python, Ruby Scala, C#, Perl, Swift, Motor, and Mongoid.
Top firms like Facebook, Google, Adobe, Nokia, and many others have chosen MongoDB as their DBMS.
Mongoose
Mongoose is an ODM or Object Document Mapper. It is also referred to as an Object Modelling Tool. It is built on top of the MongoDB driver for MongoDB and Node.js. It helps developers to model their data, define the schema for documents inside a collection, and manage relationships between data.
Mongoose allows users to conveniently create and manage data in MongoDB. While it is possible to manage data, define schemas, etc. using MongoDB APIs, it is quite difficult to do so. Hence, Mongoose has made lives easier.
However, if our collection holds an unpredictable schema for the documents, MongoDB driver is then the simplest option to choose.
Now that we have seen quite a decent synopsis of the difference between MongoDB and Mongoose, let us understand what they do at their core. To do this, we will need to understand what a database management system is to understand MongoDB, and what an Object Document Mapper (ODM) is for Mongoose.
What is a Database Management System (DBMS)?
To understand what a DBMS or a database management system is, we must understand what a database is. A database is nothing but an organized collection of structured data or information that is generally stored in a computer.
A database usually interacts with a database management system (DBMS) to let the user control and manage the data stored in it. A DBMS is nothing but software or interface that allows complete control over the data such as creating, reading, editing, deleting, etc. It also facilitates access control systems and other services like backups, reporting, storage, security, and more.
What is an Object Document Mapper (ODM)?
An object document mapper (ODM) in simple terms, maps objects with a document-based database like MongoDB. An object document mapper allows a developer to define a schema for documents inside collections.
It allows users or developers to structure the documents well for better representation. An ODM also enables users to add new properties and fields easily.
Advantages of MongoDB and Mongoose
Let’s now take a look at the advantages of both the databases – MongoDB vs Mongoose.
MongoDB
- Flexible schemas
- Holds huge amounts of data
- Easy to scale and change-friendly
- Schema less because it allows to store different documents in one collection
- Powerful, dynamic, and deep query
Mongoose
- Chained functions making code flexible and readable
- Eliminates the need to use named collections
- Performs bulk tasks of incorporating default values for properties and data validations
- Easier to define schema
- Features likes type casting, data validation, query building and more
Read More: Comprehensive Guide to Install and Set up MongoDB on Windows
Conclusion
This tutorial discusses the ultimate difference between MongoDB vs Mongoose – the two often jumbled things by beginners. When getting started with app development and using MongoDB as its backend, most beginners tend to mix up the two concepts. Well, this post is more like a troubleshooter for them.
Noteworthy References
- StackOverflow Answer
- Bugwheels94 – Medium
- Juliana Tyler – Medium
- Chingu – Medium
- Stackshare
- FreeCodeCamp
- Oracle
- JavaTPoint
