Item: MongoDB
Rating: 8
Author: Bill Hefty

Use Cases and Deployment Scope

I have used MongoDB as the database of choice for a NoSQL implementation for various apps. Implantation with Node.JS and Express is very seamless and easy, particularly when using Mongoose. Dealing with a document based solution for a database makes it pretty easy to use in a full stack Javascript app without needing to flip mindsets.

Pros and Cons

Easy to run locally on a dev machine
Easy to integrate into a schema model via Mongoose
Document-based storage makes it easy to work within a full stack Javascript environment

Getting MongoDB installed locally can be a challenge
The CLI can be kind of confusing for beginners, but MongoDB Compass makes up for that

Return on Investment

Data schemas make bringing data to the front end easy
Minimal development time needed to get this running
Different mindset needed if coming from a SQL background

Alternatives Considered

MongoDB seemed to be a bit more robust in schema models at the time of choosing it over Firebase. Firebase was also still in beta at the time. Since then I have used both MongoDB and Firebase Real-time Database, and feel that firebase is easier to get running and started, but I still prefer some of the data structures and querying of MongoDB.

Other Software Used

Google App Engine, Twilio SMS

Likelihood to Renew

I might look at Firebase for smaller projects, but the improved querying capabilities of MongoDB is very enticing.

Likelihood to Recommend

It is very easy to get started using MongoDB, and getting a data schema created via Mongoose if using Node.JS is pretty simple as well. For small beginner projects, something like Firebase may be easier to get running and simpler to deal with for reads/writes, but for more advanced control and a more structured approach, MongoDB is a great solution.

MongoDB: Easy and powerful

Overall Satisfaction with MongoDB