Import data to MongoDB

MongoDB provides the mongoimport tool, a powerful utility for importing various file formats such as JSON, CSV, and TSV into MongoDB databases.

This tool simplifies the process of loading data from external sources into MongoDB collections and makes it essential for database administrators. In this article, We will learn about how to Import data to MongoDB with multiple formats in detail.

How to import data in MongoDB

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Below are the steps to follow for Import data to MongoDB as defined below:

Step 1: To use mongoimport tool we have to first download the MongoDB database tools .zip file from here. Here, we are going to download it for Windows. 

Step 2: After downloading the zip file and unzip the downloaded folder.

Step 3: Goto MongoDB bin folder and copy-paste the bin folders all .exe files into the MongoDB bin folder[C:\Program Files\MongoDB\Server\4.4\bin]. 

And now we are ready to use mongoimport tool.

1. Import JSON file in MongoDB

In MongoDB, we can import JSON files using mongoimport tool. 

Syntax:

mongoimport --jsonArray --db database_name --collection collection_name --file file_location

To import JSON file you need to follow the following steps:

Step 1: Open a command prompt and give command mongod to connect with MongoDB server and don't close this cmd to stay connected to the server.

Step 2: Open another command prompt and run the mongo shell. Using the mongo command.

Step 3: Open one more command prompt window and direct it to bin folder[C:\Program Files\MongoDB\Server\4.4\bin] and now you are ready to import files in mongoDB database.

Example:

In this example, we have a JSON file, which we are going to import:

Before import data:

After creating mongod server open another command prompt and direct it to bin folder[C:\Program Files\MongoDB\Server\4.4\bin] and now you can import files in the MongoDB. Here, in this example, we are going to import the JSON file in the student collection of gfg database:

mongoimport --jsonArray --db gfg --collection student --file H:\students.json

Now, open the mongo shell window and check for the imported data:

Note: If the collection name is not specified then the collection name is created based on the first name of the file. Using these steps you can also import TSV files, simply using --type tsv.

2. Import CSV file in MongoDB

In MongoDB, we can also import csv file into two ways:

• With header row
• Without header row

1. With header row: We can import data with header row with the help of --header that shows the name of the fields will use the first line of the CSV file.

Syntax:

mongoimport --db database_name --collection collection_name --type csv --file file_location --header

Example:

We have the following CSV file called student.csv:

Import data from CSV file:

mongoimport --db gfg --collection student --type csv --file H:\students.csv --header

After import data:

2. Without header row: We can import data without header row by excluding --header. But in the place of the header, we have to put --fields that show the name of the field that we want to give. Field names are separated by a comma.

Syntax:

mongoimport --db database_name --collection collection_name --type csv --fields field_names --file file_location

Example:

We have the following CSV file called student.csv:

Import data from CSV file:

mongoimport --db gfg --collection student --type csv --fields name,age --file H:\students.csv

After import data:

Conclusion

The mongoimport tool is essential for efficiently importing JSON, CSV, and TSV files into MongoDB collections. By following these steps, you can seamlessly integrate external data into your MongoDB databases, ensuring robust data management and application scalability.