The need to test MongoDB servers locally sounds like an ideal option but I was running into issues trying to get the darn thing installed. All the guides I found were over a year old and focused on OS-X or El Capitan. This one should work for Mac OS Catalina. To restart MongoDB running as a macOS service. Brew services restart mongodb-community@4.2 (or) brew services restart mongodb-community. To view if MongoDB is running as a macOS service or not. This gives you the list of macOS services running on your machine and you can view the status of MongoDB community from that list. Uh, oh, what’s happening. This problem happens for Mac OS X version Catalina or after as a new update makes the root folder no longer writable. “With macOS Catalina, you can no longer store files or data in the read-only system volume, nor can you write to the “root” directory ( / ) from the command line, such as with Terminal.” See. However, if you are using latest Mac version Catalina then the root folder is no longer writable. Brew has an updated version of mongodb to use a new path (which it creates itself), /usr/local/var/mongodb and following these instructions will fix the issue: Follow the link to install and update mongodb-community-edition.
14th Feb 2020Install Mongodb Macos Catalina
I had to reconfigure my Macbook after sending it for repairs. During the reconfiguration period, I noticed the instructions I linked to in “Setting up a local MongoDB connection” were outdated.
Here’s an updated version on how to install MongoDB on a Mac.
There are a few steps:
First, you install Homebrew. If you’re curious about what Homebrew is, read this article.
Second, find the MongoDB tap.
Third, install MongoDB.
MongoDB is now installed on your computer.
Preparations (Before MacOS Catalina)
Before you can use MongoDB, you need to create a /data/db folder on your computer to use MongoDB. You can create this folder with the following command:
You also need to give permissions to use it:
Now you can follow the rest of the article to set up your MongoDB connection.
Preparations (MacOS Catalina onwards)
Apple created a new Volume in Catalina for security purposes. If you’re on Catalina, you need to create the /data/db folder in System/Volumes/Data.
Macos Catalina Mongodb
Use this command:
Then, use this command to give permissions:
Using MongoDB
In the past, I can run the mongod command to start MongoDB. This no longer works out for the box from MongoDB v4.2.3 onwards.
The best way to start MongoDB now is via brew services.
Starting MongoDB
Use this command:
MongoDB will start as a background service. Here’s what you’ll see:
You can use start instead of run. start will start MongoDB automatically when you login into your Macbook. I prefer run since I don’t want MongoDB to be running all the time.
Checking if MongoDB is running
Use this command:
Homebrew will list all running services. If MongoDB is running, mongodb-community will have a status set to started.
The Mongo Shell
If MongoDB is running, you should be able to access the Mongo shell with the mongo command.
Stopping MongoDB
Use this command:
Homebrew will stop MongoDB and let you know.
Aliases to make these easier
It’s a chore typing brew services run mongodb-community every time I want to start MongoDB.
I created some aliases to make things easier for me. Here are my aliases:
What’s next?
How To Install Mongodb On Macos Catalina
If you haven’t already, you should learn how to set up a local MongoDB connection.
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