In this chapter, we will lay the foundations for understanding MongoDB, and how it claims to be a database that's designed for the modern web. Learning in the first place is as important as knowing how to learn. We will go through the references that have the most up-to-date information about MongoDB, for both new and experienced users. We will cover the following topics: 

• SQL and  MongoDB's history and evolution
• MongoDB from the perspective of SQL and other NoSQL technology users
• MongoDB's common use cases and why they matter
• MongoDB's configuration and best practices