If you've been scrolling through X lately, you might have stumbled across a spicy thread that’s got the tech community buzzing. Posted by Vic 🌮 (@VicVijayakumar) on June 28, 2025, this post dives deep into the world of MongoDB, throwing some serious shade at the popular NoSQL database. With a cheeky image comparing MongoDB to "Snapchat for databases," it’s clear this isn’t your average tech rant. Let’s break it down and see what’s really going on!

The Tweet That Sparked the Debate

Vic’s post pulls no punches: "Is MongoDB strongly consistent? No. Is it cheaper than MySQL or PostgreSQL? No. But is it faster or easier to work with? Also no." Ouch! This tweet quotes an earlier post from Dmitrii Kovanikov (@ChShersh), who shared a grim story about a startup where MongoDB’s use led to the entire backend team jumping ship. The attached image—a card with the MongoDB logo and the "Snapchat for databases" quip—adds a humorous yet pointed jab at its reliability.

What’s the Beef with MongoDB?

So, why all the hate? MongoDB is a NoSQL database that stores data in a flexible, JSON-like format, which makes it a favorite for developers building apps that need to scale quickly. But Vic’s critique hits on some key pain points:

• Consistency Issues: Unlike traditional SQL databases like MySQL or PostgreSQL, MongoDB isn’t strongly consistent by default. This means you might not always get the latest data, which can be a dealbreaker for apps needing real-time accuracy (think e-commerce stock levels).
• Cost Concerns: Many users have noted that MongoDB’s costs can skyrocket as your project grows, especially with cloud-hosted versions like MongoDB Atlas. Compare that to the free, open-source nature of MySQL and PostgreSQL, and it’s a tough sell.
• Performance and Ease: Vic argues it’s neither faster nor easier to work with. While MongoDB’s schema-less design is great for prototyping, managing complex queries or scaling can get messy fast.

The Community Weighs In

The thread quickly turned into a lively debate. Some, like Daniel (dB.) Doubrovkine, defend MongoDB, calling it a "zero code database" that’s perfect for rapid development—especially with tools like the Ruby mongoid library. Others, like Firtina Ozbalikci, share horror stories of ballooning costs and slowdowns as their projects succeeded. Meanwhile, Maya @MayaRainer_ suggests PostgreSQL with JSON columns as a better alternative, a sentiment Vic agrees with.

MongoDB vs. the Alternatives

Let’s put this in perspective. MySQL and PostgreSQL are relational databases with strong consistency and robust community support. They’re free to use and can handle JSON data too, thanks to modern updates inspired (ironically) by MongoDB’s popularity. For blockchain practitioners or meme token developers at meme-insider.com, where data integrity and cost-efficiency are key, these alternatives might outshine MongoDB’s flexibility.

That said, MongoDB still has its fans. Its ease of use for early-stage projects and horizontal scaling make it a go-to for startups. But as Vic points out, even for prototypes, you could just use MySQL or PostgreSQL and skip the headaches later.

The Takeaway for 2025

So, is MongoDB worth it in 2025? It depends on your needs. If you’re building a quick meme token dashboard and don’t mind trading some consistency for speed, it might work. But for anything serious—especially in the blockchain space where data accuracy is non-negotiable—stick with the tried-and-true SQL options. This X thread shows the tech world is still split, but the consensus leans toward choosing tools that balance cost, performance, and reliability.

What do you think? Have you battled with MongoDB or switched to something better? Drop your thoughts in the comments, and let’s keep the conversation going!