In this chapter, we will lay the foundations for understanding MongoDB and how it is a database designed for the modern web. We will cover the following topics:

• The web, SQL, and MongoDB's history and evolution.
• MongoDB from the perspective of SQL and other NoSQL technology users.
• MongoDB's common use cases and why they matter.
• Configuration best practices:
  • Operational
  • Schema design
  • Write durability
  • Replication
  • Sharding
  • Security
  • AWS
• Learning to learn. Nowadays, learning how to learn is as important as learning in the first place. We will go through references that have the most up to date information about MongoDB for both new and experienced users.