Relational to Document Model
Earn SkillLearn to convert SQL or relational models to MongoDB's document model, design data relationships, and enforce schema validation. Enhance your ability to create efficient, well-structured applications with robust data models using MongoDB.
Who is this Course Good for?
If you’re a developer with experience in SQL and relational databases, but new to MongoDB, this Relational to Document Model Skill Badge is designed to help you bridge that gap. In this badge, you'll learn how to take the data modeling knowledge you already have and apply it to MongoDB’s document model — a structure optimized for modern, performance-driven applications.
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Upon completion of the Relational to Document Model skill check, you will earn a Credly Badge that you are able to share with your network. |
Learning Objectives
Model for Workloads
Map the relational model to the document model and apply the MongoDB methodology to data modeling.
Design Relationships
Model different types of data relationships and apply them to a sample application.
Validate Schemas
Use MongoDB's schema validation feature to enforce predefined rules for documents in an application.
What to Expect in this Course
Traditional relational data modeling often starts by defining normalized
tables, their relationships, and constraints. In contrast, MongoDB encourages
a different way of thinking. Here, the goal is to design documents that
reflect how your application actually accesses data. Instead of separating
data into multiple tables, you’ll learn to group related data together —
because in MongoDB, data that is accessed together should be stored together.
This principle is at the heart of efficient schema design.
You’ll start by identifying the workload of an application — in this case, a
bookstore that sells audiobooks, eBooks, and print titles. Using this
practical example, you’ll map out which pieces of data (or entities) your
application manages, how those entities interact, and how they change over
time. With this context, you’ll explore the second phase of schema design:
identifying the relationships between those entities and understanding how to
model them in a document database.
Throughout the badge, you’ll draw connections between familiar SQL concepts
and MongoDB features. For example, you’ll see how schema validation in MongoDB
can be used to enforce structure and constraints, just like you're used to in
a relational setup — but with more flexibility. You’ll apply validation rules
to a reviews collection in the bookstore app, gaining hands-on experience with
MongoDB’s powerful schema design tools. Labs are integrated throughout the
course to give you opportunities to practice what you learn in real-world
scenarios. These interactive exercises are designed to reinforce your
understanding and build your confidence as you transition from SQL to MongoDB.
Summary of this Course
- Understand how the flexible document models differ from the traditional relational model.
- Explain how to identify reads and writes for different app users and map them to the application flows.
- Explain how to quantify reads and writes.
- Understand the difference between referencing and embedding and how it differs from the relational database model.
- Demonstrate how to model embedded and referenced one-to-one relationships in MongoDB.
- Demonstrate how to model embedded and referenced one-to-many relationships in MongoDB.
- Demonstrate how to model embedded and referenced many-to-many relationships in MongoDB.
- Explain how to implement schema validation rules.
Joel Lord | Lead, Curriculum Eng/Technologist
Joel Lord is a curriculum engineer at MongoDB who is committed to empowering developers through education and active community involvement. With more than twenty years of experience in software development, developer advocacy, and technical education, he combines extensive expertise with a dedication to making complex topics more understandable.
Holding a Bachelor of Science in computational astrophysics from Université Laval, Joel started his career in web development before he focused on assisting others in their learning journeys. At MongoDB, he develops educational materials designed to equip developers with the skills to build improved applications, drawing on his wide-ranging experience as a speaker at global conferences.
When he is not working, Joel enjoys stargazing in remote camping areas, experimenting with inventive brewing methods in his garage, and offering emotional support to his two cats, who often appear as guests during his Zoom meetings.
Manuel Fontan Garcia | Senior Technologist, Education
Manuel is a Senior Technologist on the Curriculum team at MongoDB. Previously he was a Senior Technical Services Engineer in the Core team at MongoDB. In between Manuel worked as a database reliability engineer at Slack for a little over 2 years and then for Cognite until he re-joined MongoDB. With over 15 years experience in software development and distributed systems, he is naturally curious and holds a Telecommunications Engineering MSc from Vigo University (Spain) and a Free and Open Source Software MSc from Rey Juan Carlos University (Spain).
Emily Pope | Senior Curriculum Designer
Emily Pope is a Senior Curriculum Designer at MongoDB. She loves learning and loves making it easy for others to learn how and when to use deeply technical products. Recently, she's been creating AI and vector search content for MongoDB University. Before that, she's created learning experiences on databases, computer science, full stack development, and even clinical trial design and analysis. Emily holds an Ed.M. in International Education Policy from Harvard Graduate School of Education and began her career as an English teacher in Turkiye with the Fulbright program.
Daniel Curran | Senior Software Engineer
Daniel is a Senior Software Engineer at MongoDB. Before joining MongoDB, he worked as an Instructional Designer and Content Developer specialising in technical content for a host of international clients. Daniel's goal is to remove obstacles so learners can feel confident on their journey to become masters of MongoDB.
Parker Faucher| Senior Software Engineer
Parker is a Senior Software Engineer on the Education team at MongoDB. Prior to joining MongoDB, he helped maintain a world class developer bootcamp that was offered in multiple universities. He is a self taught developer who loves being able to give back to the community that has helped him so much.
John McCambridge | Curriculum Engineer
John is a Curriculum Engineer on the University team at MongoDB. Before his work as a Curriculum Engineer, he was an instructor and teaching assistant for coding boot camps at UT (Austin), and UCLA. Additionally, he worked as a QA engineer for a startup called Coder and spent five years at Apple Inc. John is a passionate software engineer and educator who enjoys taking complex topics and making them digestible for the community.
Sarah Evans | Senior Curriculum Engineer
Sarah is a Senior Curriculum Engineer on the Curriculum team at MongoDB. Prior to MongoDB, she taught and developed curricula for developer bootcamps. Sarah has a MAT degree from Columbia University Teachers College and studied Software Engineering at Flatiron School in Chicago, IL.
Katie Redmiles | Instructional Designer
Katie is a Instructional Designer at MongoDB. Before joining the Curriculum team, Katie worked on the University Enablement team developing Learning Bytes and instructional materials for the MongoDB for Academia program. Katie also worked within the Digital Learning Division at the Foreign Service Institute where she honed her skills at developing online learning for a global audience. Katie is passionate about making education accessible and engaging for everyone.
Eliza Spang | Staff Product Manager
Eliza is a Staff Product Manager at MongoDB. Prior to joining MongoDB, she founded her own consulting company focused on building technical learning for a range of companies, from start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. She also worked with multiple universities including Northeastern University and MIT. Eliza believes learning unlocks opportunities and possibilities for everyone and is excited to be helping developers and others learn to use MongoDB.
This course exceeded my expectations! The content was comprehensive, and the instructor's explanations were clear and concise. I loved the interactive elements and real-world examples that made the learning experience engaging and fun. The course materials were well-organized, and the support was top-notch.
I'm thoroughly satisfied with the course and would highly recommend it to others. Keep up the fantastic work!
