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Create Database

Creates a new MongoDB database. In MongoDB, databases are created implicitly when you first store data in them, so this node creates a database by creating and immediately removing a temporary collection.

Common Properties​

  • Name - The custom name of the node.
  • Color - The custom color of the node.
  • Delay Before (sec) - Waits in seconds before executing the node.
  • Delay After (sec) - Waits in seconds after executing node.
  • Continue On Error - Automation will continue regardless of any error. The default value is false.
info

If the ContinueOnError property is true, no error is caught when the project is executed, even if a Catch node is used.

Inputs​

  • MongoDB Client Id - The client ID returned from the Connect node (optional if credentials are provided).
  • Database Name - The name of the database to create.

Options​

  • Credentials - Database credentials (Category 5) - optional if using Client ID from Connect node. This allows you to perform the operation without a separate Connect node.

How It Works​

MongoDB creates databases lazily - a database doesn't physically exist until it contains data. This node creates a database by:

  1. Validates the database name is not empty
  2. Obtains a MongoDB client (either from client ID or by creating one from credentials)
  3. Accesses the database with the specified name
  4. Creates a temporary collection called "defaultcollection"
  5. Inserts a temporary document into the collection
  6. Immediately deletes the temporary document
  7. The database now exists in MongoDB's database list

Requirements​

  • Either a valid client ID from Connect node OR database credentials
  • A valid database name (non-empty)
  • Appropriate permissions to create databases on the MongoDB server

Error Handling​

The node will return specific errors in the following cases:

  • ErrInvalidArg - Database name is empty or client/credentials are invalid
  • ErrConnection - Cannot connect to MongoDB (when using credentials)
  • Permission errors if the user doesn't have database creation rights

Usage Notes​

  • MongoDB database names are case-sensitive
  • Database names cannot contain spaces or special characters like /\. "$*<>:|?
  • The database will appear in the database list after this operation
  • If a database with the same name already exists, this operation is harmless (idempotent)
  • You can use either the client ID approach or direct credentials approach
  • The temporary collection creation/deletion happens automatically and atomically

Database Naming Best Practices​

  • Use lowercase names for consistency
  • Use underscores instead of spaces or hyphens
  • Keep names descriptive but concise
  • Avoid reserved names like "admin", "local", "config"

Example Usage​

Scenario 1: Create database using Connect node

  1. Connect node → Client Id
  2. Create Database:
    • MongoDB Client Id: (from Connect)
    • Database Name: "sales_data"

Scenario 2: Create database using direct credentials

  1. Create Database:
    • MongoDB Client Id: (leave empty)
    • Database Name: "inventory"
    • Credentials: (select database credential)

Scenario 3: Create multiple databases

Connect → Client Id

Create Database:
  - Client Id: (from Connect)
  - Database Name: "production"

Create Database:
  - Client Id: (from Connect)
  - Database Name: "staging"

Create Database:
  - Client Id: (from Connect)
  - Database Name: "development"

Disconnect

Common Use Cases​

  • Environment Setup: Create separate databases for development, staging, and production
  • Multi-tenant Applications: Create a database per customer or tenant
  • Data Segregation: Create databases for different departments or projects
  • Testing: Create temporary databases for automated testing
  • Migration: Create target databases before data migration

Common Errors​

Empty Database Name:

  • Cause: Database name input is empty or not provided
  • Solution: Provide a valid, non-empty database name

Invalid Characters in Name:

  • Cause: Database name contains prohibited characters
  • Solution: Use only alphanumeric characters, underscores, and hyphens

Permission Denied:

  • Cause: User doesn't have permission to create databases
  • Solution: Ensure the database user has appropriate privileges (dbAdmin or root role)
  • Drop Database - Delete a database
  • List Databases - View all databases on the server
  • Create Collection - Create a collection within a database