Mongoose Connect: Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Node.js Server to MongoDB Atlas

Welcome to this course section where we’ll learn how to connect a Node.js server with a MongoDB Atlas database using mongoose.connect.

Step 1: Install Mongoose

Navigate to your Node.js project directory and run:

npm install mongoose @types/mongoose

Step 2: Set Up MongoDB Atlas

1. Log in to MongoDB Atlas.
   

2. Go to Database Access → click Edit to update your password.
   Note down your username and new password.

1. Head to the Clusters Dashboard → click Connect.

1. In the popup, choose Drivers → copy the connection string provided.

If you don’t already have a database:

• Go to Cluster → Collections → Create Database.

• Set:

  • Database Name: test

  • Collection Name: user

Step 3: Allow Network Access

1. Go to Network Access.

2. Click Edit on the right-hand side.

1. In the popup, either:

   • Add your current IP address (recommended for security)

   • Or allow access from any IP (less secure)

Step 4: Use mongoose.connect in Your Code

In your index.ts file, add the following code:

import * as mongoose from ‘mongoose’;
const DB_URI = ‘mongodb+srv://<username>:<password>@cluster.xiffugv.mongodb.net/?retryWrites=true&w=majority&appName=Cluster’;
mongoose.connect(DB_URI, {
dbName: ‘test’,
})
.then(() => console.log(‘✅ MongoDB connected successfully’))
.catch(err => {
console.error(‘❌ MongoDB connection error:’, err.message);
process.exit(1);
});
mongoose.connection.on(‘connected’, () => {
console.log(‘Mongoose connected to DB’);
});
mongoose.connection.on(‘error’, (err) => {
console.log(‘Mongoose connection error:’, err);
});
mongoose.connection.on(‘disconnected’, () => {
console.log(‘Mongoose disconnected’);
});

Replace <username> and <password> with your actual MongoDB credentials.

Step 5: Start Your Server

From your project root directory:

npm start

Server is running at port 5000
Mongoose connected to DB
✅ MongoDB connected successfully