What is a GUI?

A GUI tool is a graphical user interface application designed to simplify interactions with software or databases through visual elements like buttons and menus, rather than requiring command-line input. Compass is MongoDB's version of a GUI tool that provides an intuitive interface to explore, query, and analyze your data effectively.

Who should use MongoDB Compass?

Anyone, from experienced developers to non-technical business users, can benefit from using MongoDB Compass. Its intuitive visual interface simplifies exploring and managing data without requiring deep technical expertise. 

When can developers use MongoDB Compass during the development process?

You can use MongoDB Compass in every stage of the software development lifecycle (SDLC).

During development, Compass simplifies schema design, query building, and aggregation creation through its intuitive visual interface and AI-powered natural language features.

In the testing phase, Compass allows importing and exporting data for testing locally and refining your data model to optimize performance, such as by adding efficient indexes.

During deployment, Compass helps you analyze real-time database metrics to monitor end-user interactions and make adjustments to improve the experience.

In the maintenance phase, Compass allows you to visualize and explore patterns in your application data, debug issues with query performance using the visual Explain Plan, and iteratively optimize your workflows.

Learn how to use Compass

Is Compass available in the Atlas UI?

Compass is a desktop application. However, MongoDB has a new data management experience that brings the familiarity and power of MongoDB Compass to the Atlas UI.

This new Data Explorer experience in the Atlas UI empowers developers to view and understand their data, as well as test and optimize queries directly within the browser, streamlining application development and enriching data management processes.