MongoDB: How to get a cloud-hosted FREE MongoDB cluster as a service

Now that we are always connected to the internet, do you really need to setup a local environment (read: database) for your projects?

MongoDB is undoubtedly the most popular, and probably one of the fastest-growing NoSql databases in the market. It is an open-source, document-oriented database that provides high scalability and performance. MongoDB is distinctly popular in the NodeJs community and is widely adopted in the NodeJs based tech stacks like MEAN, MERN, MEVN, etc.

To obtain a cloud hosted free MongoDB cluster, ‘MongoDB Atlas’ is the solution. Follow the steps below:

Step#1: SignIn to MongoDb Atlas

SignIn to MongoDB Atlas. You would be prompted to create an organization and a project.

Post SignUp Onboarding Page

Step#2: Create a free cluster

You would be prompted to create a Cluster — select free cluster.

Choose to create a free cluster

Step#3: Select a cloud provider & region

Select a cloud provider & region of your preference.

Select any cloud provider & region of your preference

Step#4: M0 for FREE

Select ‘M0 Sandbox’ cluster and hit ‘Create Cluster’.

Select M0 Sandbox for a free cluster

Step#5: Create DB user

Create a user to access the cluster.

Navigate to ‘Database Access’ tab of your created cluster

Create a user

Step#6: Create network rule

To allow access from your computer, create a network access rule

Navigate to ‘Network Access’ tab of your cluster

Add your IP range or 0.0.0.0/0 to make it public

Step#7: Connect to the cluster

Navigate to the ‘Clusters’ tab and hit ‘connect’

Access the different options to connect to your cluster

Bonus:

Personally, I prefer to install MongoDBCompass locally and connect to the cluster.

Enter your correct credentials and connect