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Getting Started with NetPad

Learn what NetPad is, how it connects to MongoDB, and what you need to get started building forms.

What is NetPad?​

NetPad is a visual tool for building data collection forms that save directly to MongoDB. Design forms without writing code, and submissions are automatically stored in your database.

What is MongoDB?​

MongoDB is a popular database that stores data in flexible, JSON-like documents. It's used by millions of applications worldwide to store and manage data.

What is a Connection String?​

A connection string is like a URL to your database. It contains the address of your MongoDB server and the credentials needed to access it securely.

mongodb+srv://username:password@cluster.mongodb.net/database
  • mongodb+srv:// - The protocol used to connect
  • username:password - Your database credentials
  • cluster.mongodb.net - The server address
  • /database - The specific database to use

Getting Your Connection String​

If you have a MongoDB Atlas account, you can find your connection string in the Atlas dashboard under Connect > Connect your application. Don't have MongoDB? No problem - NetPad can provision a free MongoDB Atlas cluster for you automatically when you create your workspace.

Quick Setup​

  1. Create a workspace - Give your workspace a name
  2. Get a database - Use your own MongoDB or let us provision a free one
  3. Build forms - Use the visual Form Builder to design your forms
  4. Collect data - Publish forms and start collecting submissions
tip

New to MongoDB? Let NetPad provision a free MongoDB Atlas cluster for you. It takes just a minute and requires no configuration.

warning

Keep your connection string secure. It contains credentials to access your database. Never share it publicly or commit it to version control.

Next Steps​