How to Install MongoDB with PHP on Ubuntu 24.04

Install MongoDB

To use MongoDB, PHP, and a web server, you must first install MongoDB. If you haven’t installed it yet, read the post below to learn how to do that.

How to install MongoDB on Ubuntu

After installing MongoDB, continue below.

Apache

How to install Apache on Ubuntu

After installing Apache, continue below.

Install Nginx

If you prefer to use Nginx instead of Apache, install Nginx on Ubuntu. If you haven’t done so, read the post below to learn how.

How to install Nginx on Ubuntu

After installing Nginx, continue below.

Install PHP

You need to install specific PHP modules to help PHP connect with your MongoDB database on Ubuntu 24.04. For Apache, run ‘sudo apt install php php-common php-mongodb php-pear php-dev’. This ensures PHP has the tools it needs to work with MongoDB.

You install specific PHP modules to use MongoDB with PHP and Apache. These modules, such as `php-mongodb`, allow your PHP code to communicate with the MongoDB database, enabling you to store, retrieve, and manage your data effectively.

Apache:

sudo apt install php php-common php-mongodb php-pear php-dev

If you plan to use MongoDB with PHP and [Nginx], then install the PHP modules below.

Nginx:

sudo apt install php-fpm php-common php-mongodb php-pear php-dev

After installing the PHP, continue below.

Install MongoDB PHP drivers

To make your PHP applications talk to MongoDB on Ubuntu 24.04, you must install the MongoDB PHP drivers. Run the command ‘sudo pecl install mongodb’ and accept the default settings when prompted. This step connects your PHP code to the MongoDB database.

This will glue MongoDB and PHP together.

sudo pecl install mongodb

During the installation, accept the default prompts for all the choices.

Enable developer flags? (yes/no) [no] : 
Enable code coverage? (yes/no) [no] : 
Use system libraries for libbson, libmongoc, and libmongocrypt? (yes/no) [no] : 
Enable client-side encryption? (auto/yes/no) [auto] : 
Enable Snappy for compression? (auto/yes/no) [auto] : 
Enable zlib for compression? (auto/system/bundled/no) [auto] : 
Enable zstd for compression? (auto/yes/no) [auto] : 
Enable SASL for Kerberos authentication? (auto/cyrus/no) [auto] : 
Enable crypto and TLS? (auto/openssl/libressl/darwin/no) [auto] : 
Use system crypto profile (OpenSSL only)? (yes/no) [no] : 
Use bundled or system utf8proc for SCRAM-SHA-256 SASLprep? (bundled/system) [bundled] : 

After building and installing the MongoDB PHP drivers, execute the command below to add it to the PHP configuration file.

This assumes you are running PHP 8.3.

Apache: Run:

sudo -s
sudo echo "extension=mongodb.so" >> /etc/php/8.3/apache2/php.ini
sudo echo "extension=mongodb.so" >> /etc/php/8.3/cli/php.ini

Nginx: Run:

sudo -s
sudo echo "extension=mongodb.so" >> /etc/php/8.3/fpm/php.ini
sudo echo "extension=mongodb.so" >> /etc/php/8.3/cli/php.ini

After setting everything up, restart the web server and PHP. Then, run the PHP test page.

You should see MongoDB PHP module installed with PHP.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

In summary, integrating MongoDB with PHP and a web server like Apache or Nginx allows developers to build modern, scalable web applications. Here are the key takeaways:

• Flexible Data Storage: MongoDB’s JSON-like data model provides a dynamic schema, facilitating easier changes and scalability.
• Seamless Integration: Works well with popular PHP frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, and CodeIgniter.
• Installation Process: Follow the steps to install MongoDB, Apache/Nginx, and the required PHP modules.
• PHP Drivers: Ensure the MongoDB PHP drivers are installed and configured correctly to enable communication between MongoDB and PHP.
• Testing: Always verify the installation by checking the PHP test page for the MongoDB module.

By following the installation steps for MongoDB on Ubuntu 24.04, you can significantly enhance your web applications with MongoDB's powerful features.