Schema design for MongoDB
Transitioning from relational databases and SQL to MongoDB requires a shift in modeling strategy tailored to specific application data patterns. A pivotal step in this design process is to clearly define the data retrieval needs of users, effectively determining the structure of system entities. In traditional RDBMSs, normalization is paramount, with data duplication and denormalization often viewed negatively. Conversely, MongoDB frequently employs both data duplication and denormalization for valid performance and flexibility reasons.
The MongoDB document model offers a unique advantage: each document within a collection can vary, possessing different fields or even data types for the same field. Given the capability of MongoDB to execute detailed queries, even at the embedded document level, there's significant flexibility in document design. By understanding data access patterns, you can determine which fields to embed directly and which to distribute...