Introduction
MongoDB is a highly popular, NoSQL database that is widely used for its scalability and flexibility. As with any software, staying updated with the latest version of MongoDB is crucial for security, performance enhancements, and gaining access to new features. This tutorial will take you through the process of checking your current MongoDB version and upgrading it to the latest release on an Ubuntu system.
Checking Your Current MongoDB Version
To start, you’ll need to determine which version of MongoDB is currently installed on your system. This is easily done the command line interface. Open the terminal on your Ubuntu system and enter the following command:
mongod --version
The output should resemble something like this:
MongoDB server version: 4.4.6
This indicates that MongoDB version 4.4.6 is currently installed. Now that you know which version you have, you can decide whether to upgrade.
Preparing for the Upgrade
Before upgrading, it’s a good practice to backup your MongoDB databases. You can use the mongodump command to do so:
mongodump --out /path/to/backup/dir
Next, you should stop the currently running MongoDB service:
sudo systemctl stop mongod
This command will halt the MongoDB service, allowing you to safely upgrade the software.
Uninstalling the Old Version
If required, uninstall the current version of MongoDB by using:
sudo apt-get remove mongodb mongodb-server
This command will remove the existing MongoDB package from your system. However, it won’t delete your data files or the configurations.
Upgrading MongoDB on Ubuntu
To install the newer version of MongoDB, first, update your repository list:
sudo apt-get update
Choose the official MongoDB source by adding it to your repository list. Import the MongoDB public key to ensure your Ubuntu system trusts the new packages:
wget -qO - https://www.mongodb.org/static/pgp/server-5.0.asc | sudo apt-key add -
Add the MongoDB repository:
sudo sh -c 'echo "deb [ arch=amd64,arm64 ] https://repo.mongodb.org/apt/ubuntu $(lsb_release -sc)/mongodb-org/5.0 multiverse" > /etc/apt/sources.list.d/mongodb-org-5.0.list'
Once again, update your repository list:
sudo apt-get update
Now, you can install the latest version of MongoDB. For example, to install version 5.0:
sudo apt-get install -y mongodb-org
Note: Make sure you use the appropriate version number apt for your upgrade.
Running the MongoDB Server
Post-installation, start the MongoDB server:
sudo systemctl start mongod
Check the status to ensure MongoDB is running properly:
sudo systemctl status mongod
After the MongoDB services are up and running, you can verify the update:
mongod --version
The output should now reflect the new version number, confirming that the upgrade is successful.
Handling Configuration Differences
Differences in configuration between versions might exist. It’s important to review the release notes of MongoDB between your old and new versions. You may need to tweak your configuration files accordingly. MongoDB configuration file can be found at:
/etc/mongod.conf
Make sure to review and update your configurations to suit the version you have upgraded to.
Troubleshooting Post-upgrade
Sometimes after an upgrade, you might encounter issues. If MongoDB fails to start, check the logs for details:
cat /var/log/mongodb/mongod.log
Review the error messages and consult the MongoDB manual or MongoDB discussion forums for solutions tailored to your specific errors.
Optimizing After the Upgrade
After a successful upgrade, it is recommended to run the db.adminCommand({setFeatureCompatibilityVersion: ""}) on each of your databases. This will ensure that your databases are fully utilizing the capabilities of the updated MongoDB version.
Conclusion
Upgrading MongoDB on Ubuntu is a straightforward process, yet it requires careful execution. By following the steps in this guide, you can ensure that your MongoDB installation remains secure, efficient, and feature-rich. Always remember to backup your data first, and to review the release notes and MongoDB manual for the version to which you’re upgrading.
