🗄️ MongoDB Setup

Set up MongoDB Atlas for BetterLearn. This guide covers creating a cluster, configuring access, and connecting your application.

📋 Prerequisites

  • A MongoDB Atlas account (free tier works great)
  • Your application code ready for connection

🚀 Step-by-Step Setup

1

Create MongoDB Atlas Account

Go to mongodb.com/atlas and sign up for a free account.

2

Create a New Project

In the Atlas dashboard, create a new project for BetterLearn.

3

Build a Cluster

Click "Build a Cluster". Choose the free tier (M0) for development or a paid tier for production. Select a region close to your users.

4

Create Database User

Go to Database Access → Add New Database User. Create a user with read/write access. Save the username and password securely.

5

Configure Network Access

Go to Network Access → Add IP Address. For development, you can allow access from anywhere (0.0.0.0/0). For production, whitelist specific IPs.

6

Get Connection String

Go to Database → Connect → Connect your application. Copy the connection string and replace <password> with your database user password.

🔗 Connection String Format

MONGODB_URI 
mongodb+srv://<username>:<password>@cluster0.xxxxx.mongodb.net/betterlearn?retryWrites=true&w=majority
⚠️
Important

Replace <username> and <password> with your actual database user credentials. URL-encode special characters in the password.

🗃️ Database Collections

BetterLearn automatically creates these collections:

CollectionPurpose
usersUser profiles and settings
quizzesGenerated quizzes
collectionsQuiz collections
filesUploaded file metadata
credittransactionsCredit purchase/usage history
generationsAI tool generation history
libraryitemsSaved library items
roomsStudy rooms
sitesettingsPlatform configuration
pricingplansCredit packages

✅ Verify Connection

After setting up, verify the connection:

  1. Add MONGODB_URI to your .env.local
  2. Run npm run dev
  3. Check console for "Connected to MongoDB" message
  4. Sign up a test user to verify data is being saved

🔧 Troubleshooting

ErrorSolution
Authentication failed Verify username/password. URL-encode special characters.
Network timeout Whitelist your IP in Network Access.
Invalid connection string Copy fresh string from Atlas Connect dialog.
✅
Next Steps

Database ready! Continue to Stripe Configuration to set up payments, or Deploy to Vercel.