Considering Data Usability and Performance

One of the most important things to consider when designing a MongoDB database is data use and how it will affect performance. The previous sections describe different methods for solving some of the complexities of data size and optimization. The final thing you should consider and even reconsider is data usability and performance. Ultimately these are the two most important aspects of any web solution and, consequently, the storage behind it.

Data usability is the ability of a database to satisfy the functionality of a website. You need to make certain that data can be accessed so that the website functions correctly. Users will not tolerate a website that simply does not do what they want it to. The accuracy of the data is also important here.

Then you can consider performance. Your database must be able to deliver the data at a reasonable rate. The previous sections of this chapter help you evaluate and design the performance factors for your database.

In some more complex circumstances, you may find it necessary to evaluate data usability and then performance and then go back to usability, through a few cycles until you get the balance correct. Also, remember that today, the usability requirements can change at any time. Remember this can influence how you design your documents and collections so that they can become more scalable in the future, if necessary.