MongoDB is available in both free and paid versions. While the **MongoDB Community Edition** is open-source and free to use, certain premium features and services require a paid subscription. Here's why:

### 1. Premium Features and Services
MongoDB offers advanced features and services under its paid plans, including:
- **MongoDB Atlas**: A managed cloud database service that provides hosting, automated backups, monitoring, and scalability.
- **Enterprise Advanced**: Includes advanced security, performance optimization, and enterprise-level support.
- **BI Connector**: Allows integration with business intelligence tools for advanced analytics.

These premium offerings are designed to cater to enterprises needing robust, managed solutions.

### 2. Commercial Licensing
- The **Server Side Public License (SSPL)** governs MongoDB. While the core MongoDB is free, the license restricts hosting MongoDB as a service without licensing fees.
- This protects MongoDB’s business model from exploitation by large cloud providers.

### 3. Cost of Development and Support
MongoDB, Inc. invests heavily in:
- Continuous development and innovation.
- Providing technical support to enterprise users.
- Hosting and managing services like MongoDB Atlas.

These expenses are offset through paid subscriptions.

### Free Options in MongoDB
- **MongoDB Community Edition**: A fully functional, free-to-use version suitable for most personal or small-scale projects.
- **Free Tier on MongoDB Atlas**: A limited free tier for cloud-based MongoDB, ideal for beginners and small applications.

### Recommended Resources
To understand MongoDB's offerings and manage costs effectively:
- **Relational Database Design and Modeling for Software Engineers**: Learn to optimize database usage for cost-efficiency. [Check it out](https://www.designgurus.io/course/grokking-relational-database-design-and-modeling-for-software-engineers)
- **Grokking SQL for Tech Interviews**: Explore free and paid database solutions in the context of real-world applications. [Explore here](https://www.designgurus.io/course/grokking-sql-for-tech-interviews)

MongoDB strikes a balance by offering free tools for developers while monetizing enterprise-level services to sustain its growth and innovation.

Why is MongoDB not free?

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MongoDB is available in both free and paid versions. While the MongoDB Community Edition is open-source and free to use, certain premium features and services require a paid subscription. Here's why:

1. Premium Features and Services

MongoDB offers advanced features and services under its paid plans, including:

MongoDB Atlas: A managed cloud database service that provides hosting, automated backups, monitoring, and scalability.
Enterprise Advanced: Includes advanced security, performance optimization, and enterprise-level support.
BI Connector: Allows integration with business intelligence tools for advanced analytics.

These premium offerings are designed to cater to enterprises needing robust, managed solutions.

2. Commercial Licensing

The Server Side Public License (SSPL) governs MongoDB. While the core MongoDB is free, the license restricts hosting MongoDB as a service without licensing fees.
This protects MongoDB’s business model from exploitation by large cloud providers.