If you want to quickly set up a local `MongoDB` Cluster without installing `Mongo` directly on your system, I've found just setting up a Docker Container is a great option, I'll explain below how to setup a local instance of a `MongoDB` Cluster using a Docker Container:
# Seting up the Container
## 1. Install Docker
1st you're gonna need to have docker installed. You can install Docker by following the instructions for your operating system:
After installation, double check Docker is running by testing:
```bash
docker --version
```
## 2. Pull the `MongoDB` Docker Image
To start MongoDB instances, first pull the official MongoDB Docker image:
```bash
docker pull mongo:latest
```
## 3. Initialise the Replica Set
Once the container is up and running, you'll need to start the replica set:
* Nav to the containers shell
* Initiate the replica set `rs.initiate()`
* Check it's working as expected `rs.status()`
## 4. Connect to the MongoDB Cluster
Now you've got your cluster up and running. You can connect to the cluster using **MongoDB Compass** or **Robo 3T**, provided you have either installed if not feel free to just access it through the backend after setting up the `CONNECTION_URI` in `.env` or install from [here](#Installing-MongoDB-Compass-or-Robo-3T).
# Installing MongoDB Compass or Robo 3T
**MongoDB Compass** and **Robo 3T** are two popular interface tools for working with `MongoDB` databases, follow the links below to download either
*[**MongoDB Compass**](https://www.mongodb.com/products/compass) is MongoDB's official interface for interacting with your databases. It provides easy access to collections, indexes, and documents.
*[**Robo 3T**](https://robomongo.org/) is a free, open-source `MongoDB` GUI tool that allows you to connect to your `MongoDB` databases, execute queries, and manage your documents easily - a bit out of date but still a classic.
