For AI agents: the complete documentation index is available at https://silt-db.dev/llms.txt, the full documentation bundle is available at https://silt-db.dev/llms-full.txt, and this page is available as Markdown at https://silt-db.dev/guide/introduction.md.

    Introduction

    Silt is an embedded MongoDB alternative. It provides a MongoDB-compatible JavaScript API backed by SQLite, so supported MongoDB application code can run against a local database file.

    Change the import and initialization to use @silt-db/mongodb. Keep your collection operations, filters, updates, and aggregation pipelines. SQLite executes the queries, including joins with $lookup; Silt decodes the returned documents without maintaining an in-memory copy of the database.

    A database that ships with your app

    Use caseWhat Silt provides
    Local developmentA persistent SQLite file with no separate database service to start.
    TestingAn isolated database per test, using a temporary file or Node's :memory: mode.
    Simple deploymentApplication code and database run together; a persistent volume holds the data.
    ProductionPersistent storage, transactions, indexes, and optional worker-backed WAL readers for Node services.
    Embedded applicationsThe same MongoDB-style API on Expo web, iOS, and Android, with data stored locally.

    One SQLite file is one database. On Node, Silt uses built-in SQLite by default and supports better-sqlite3. On Expo, platform exports select expo-sqlite. Applications with another compatible SQLite driver can supply it through the advanced engine API.

    Compatibility comes first

    Silt aims to replace MongoDB for applications using its supported JSON API. It implements collection methods, stateful cursors, local transactions, query operators, and aggregation stages. It is currently alpha.

    The compatibility reference lists the boundaries, including unsupported BSON types, operators, indexes, and server features. This is JavaScript API compatibility after changing initialization; Silt does not implement MongoDB's network protocol.

    Use the MongoDB Query API documentation to learn filters and pipelines. These guides focus on opening Silt, choosing a runtime, and checking differences.

    Get started

    Run the quick start, or go directly to using existing MongoDB code, local development and testing, deployment, or Expo.

    For applications using ShareDB, Teamplay, or StartupJS, see the optional advanced integrations.