How to Install MongoDB on Your Local System

MongoDB is a popular NoSQL database known for its flexibility and scalability. Installing MongoDB on your local system allows you to develop, test, and explore its features in a controlled environment. Here’s a step-by-step guide to install MongoDB on your local machine.

Step 1: Check Prerequisites

• Supported Operating Systems
  • MongoDB is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Ensure your OS is supported by the version you’re installing.

• System Requirements
  • Minimum 2GB of RAM (4GB or more recommended).
  • Sufficient disk space for data storage.

• Administrator Privileges
  • You’ll need administrative rights on your computer to install MongoDB.

Step 2: Download MongoDB

• Go to the MongoDB Download Center.
• Select your operating system.
• Choose the latest MongoDB Community Server version.
• Download the appropriate installer or package for your system.

Step 3.1: Install MongoDB in Windows

• Run the Installer
  • Double-click the .msi file you downloaded to start the installation.
• Follow the Setup Wizard
  • Accept the license agreement.
  • Select Complete installation.
• Choose Configuration Options
  • Keep the default settings for the Service Configuration.
  • Ensure the Install MongoDB Compass option is selected (optional graphical interface).
• Complete Installation
  • Click Install and wait for the process to finish.
• Add MongoDB to Path
  • To use MongoDB commands globally, add the MongoDB binary directory to your system’s PATH environment variable.

C:\Program Files\MongoDB\Server\<version>\bin

Step 3.2: For macOS

• Install via Homebrew
  • Open the Terminal and run:

brew tap mongodb/brew brew install mongodb-community@<version>

• Replace <version> with the desired version (e.g., 6.0).

• Verify Installation
  • Check the version by running:

mongod --version

• Start MongoDB Service
  • Start MongoDB using Homebrew services:

brew services start mongodb/brew/mongodb-community

Step 3.3: For Linux

• Install via Package Manager
  • Import MongoDB’s public key:

wget -qO - https://www.mongodb.org/static/pgp/server-6.0.asc | sudo apt-key add -

• Create a list file for MongoDB in /etc/apt/sources.list.d

echo "deb [ arch=amd64,arm64 ] https://repo.mongodb.org/apt/ubuntu focal/mongodb-org/6.0 multiverse" | sudo tee /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mongodb-org-6.0.list

• Update package listings:

sudo apt-get update

• Install MongoDB:

sudo apt-get install -y mongodb-org

• Start MongoDB
  • Run the MongoDB service:

sudo systemctl start mongod

• Enable MongoDB to start on boot:

sudo systemctl enable mongod

• Verify Installation
  • Open a terminal or command prompt.
  • Run: mongod --version This command displays the installed MongoDB version.
  • To connect to the database, start the MongoDB shell by typing: mongosh

Step 4: MongoDB Compass (Optional)

• MongoDB Compass is a GUI tool for managing your databases visually.
• If you selected the Compass installation option during setup, launch it after installation.
• Connect to your local MongoDB instance using the default URI:

mongodb://localhost:27017

Step 5: Start Using MongoDB

• Create a database:

use myDatabase

• Insert a document:

db.myCollection.insertOne({ name: "coderanil", age: 30 })

• Query data:

db.myCollection.find()

Step 6: Common Troubleshooting

• Service Not Starting
  • Ensure the MongoDB service is running:

sudo systemctl status mongod

• Check the log file (/var/log/mongodb/mongod.log) for errors.

• Port Conflicts
  • By default, MongoDB uses port 27017. Ensure it’s not blocked or used by another application.

• Permission Issues
  • Run installation and service commands with administrator or sudo privileges.

With MongoDB installed locally, you’re now ready to dive into database development.

Happy coding!