A notable function of the Alteryx server is the ability to connect to MongoDB databases, espeacially the MongoDB which contains the data about the Alteryx Gallery. While Ben Moss has excellently demonstrated how to access MongoDB of the Alteryx Server, a recent development requires us to update our approach.

The MongoDB Input Tool, as Alteryx now suggests, has been deprecated (Link). In place of this, they suggest utilizing the regular input tool to access MongoDB. This transition not only mitigates potential errors during upload to the Alteryx Gallery but also streamlines the process.

Unfortunately, explicit instructions on how to do this are somewhat elusive. That's where this blog post comes in - we'll walk you through the process.

Step 1: Download Simba MongoDB Driver

Firstly, you need to download the Simba MongoDB driver, available on the Alteryx Licence Portal. While it may be tucked away, you can locate it under Drivers >> MongoDB >> SimbaMongoDB. This driver allows you to establish an ODBC connection with MongoDB.

Step 2: Install and Configure the Driver

Once downloaded, the driver must be installed not only on your server but also on every machine that intends to access data from MongoDB. After successful installation, you can add the Simba MongoDB driver through the ODBC Manager.

Here's how you set up the connection:

You'll need to input the Server IP and Port from your Alteryx Server. As for authentication, select “MongoDB Username and Password” as the mechanism and "AlteryxGallery" as the Authentication Source. Your Alteryx Server provides the required username and password, typically "User". For additional information, refer back to Ben Moss’s blog post.

Step 3: Add MongoDB as a Datasource

After setting up and testing the connection, you can add MongoDB as a data source in Alteryx.

The ODBC connection functions similarly to other ODBC connections, and you should now be able to access a list of all tables, employ the visual query editor, and enjoy all other features you're familiar with from relational databases.

Transitioning from the MongoDB Input Tool to the regular input tool may initially seem daunting, but with these steps, you'll be able to access your MongoDB data with ease and efficiency.