These days, you are no longer limited to creating applications on a desktop. Although this is still the primary device of choice, developers are able to work on the go and keep track of their databases using tablets and other mobile devices. In fact, Data Reportal statistics show that 57% of online time is now spent on mobile.
When you’re coding on the go, MongoDB Atlas products are some of the most reliable because of their simple deployment and cross-device performance. Whether you’re checking mobile or desktop, you should make use of its fully managed developer data platform to address your workloads. To set things up on your tablet, there are two main ways to go about it:
Using Realms
MongoDB offers a native solution that helps you use flexible stack options and build custom APIs for mobile app development. Here’s how to use MongoDB Realms:
1. Create a MongoDB Cluster and App in Atlas
The first step in this path is to set up your MongoDB cluster in Atlas. Because it’s browser-based, you can actually do this from your tablet already using Chrome or any other browser you use. You will need to use at least MongoDB 4.4, as this is the version that is compatible with Realm Sync. After establishing your cloud parameters, you can start your project and populate it.
2. Set up Your Application Structure
Once you set up your cluster specifications, you just need to start defining the classes and structures of your application. There is a GUI available so that you can do this without prompting a command line. At this point, you will have to define relationships between entities and your schema. Atlas offers a flexible schema model, which means you can easily use different data types as you build out your structure.
3. Build Out the App with Your Code
Now, it’s time to start coding. The specifics here will depend on your preferred platform. MongoDB Atlas is compatible with the most popular programming languages like JavaScript, C, Java, and Go, among others. You will likely need to install Realm Node.js on your primary device to start the foundations of your code.
4. Configure Device Sync
Finally, you need to configure Atlas Device Sync, also known as Realm Sync. This is what enables you to continue working on your MongoDB Atlas products while on the go. As the name suggests, it syncs up the device so you can access your cluster and application. This can be enabled directly from the permissions of your cluster configuration in the Atlas UI.
Using Other Terminals or Clients
In the wake of major platforms like Reddit and Twitter blocking third-party applications, you’ll be glad to know that MongoDB doesn’t inherently restrict their use. If this is how you prefer to deploy Atlas products on your tablet, here are the steps you need to follow:
1. Install a MongoDB Client
For those who want a direct client that emulates MongoDB on your Android device, you can use a client like Mondroid. For iOS, you can use MongoLime. Both of these options give you a GUI to interact with Atlas. If you prefer to use a command-line interface (CLI), you can download an app like Termux. Don’t forget to update all repositories to ensure that things will run smoothly.
2. Set Up Your Atlas Application
Once you’ve got your terminal or client set up, all you have to do is set up Atlas. Either option will allow you to run MongoDB natively. The only difference is whether you are typing the command or establishing your cluster through the press of a few on-screen buttons. If you already have an Atlas account or project, you just need to connect to it as you usually would via the server.
3. Execute Your Deployment Accordingly<
Now, you can deploy your packages and basically work on your application development straight from your tablet. The specifics will depend on the nature of your code and what your goal is. That said, you will definitely need either Java for Android SDK or Swift for iOS SDK. At this point, you should also upgrade all the packages applicable to your environment.
Regardless of which method you like, being able to work on your tablet can be a real boon. You basically allow even more flexibility for your workload as you can easily update and interact with your Atlas products without having to go to a desktop. With that, you can maximize pursuits toward mobile development, Web3, and machine learning with MongoDB.