What are the differences between MongoDB aggregation pipelines and queries?

What are the differences between MongoDB aggregation pipelines and queries?

MongoDB aggregation pipelines are used for processing data records and returning computed results, while queries are used to retrieve documents from a collection based on specific criteria.

Can you give me an example of when to use an aggregation pipeline?

Sure! Use an aggregation pipeline when you need to perform operations like filtering, grouping, and sorting data in a single query, such as calculating the total sales per product category.

Are aggregation pipelines more efficient than regular queries?

It depends on the use case. Aggregation pipelines can be more efficient for complex data processing, while simple queries may perform better for straightforward document retrieval.

What are some common stages in an aggregation pipeline?

Common stages include $match for filtering, $group for grouping data, $sort for ordering results, and $project for reshaping documents.