How do I remove documents using Node.js Mongoose?

javascript

promises

callbacks

bulk-write

byAlex Kataev·Oct 2, 2024

Do you want to get rid of data in Mongoose pronto? Use deleteMany for multiple documents, or deleteOne for a single match:

const UserModel = require('UserModel'); // Replace with your actual model

// Removing all users named "John", they have had their time to shine
UserModel.deleteMany({ name: 'John' }, (error) => {
  if (error) console.error("They don't want to leave!", error)
  else console.log('Johns have left the building');
});

// To delete a single user by ID
UserModel.deleteOne({ _id: 'user-id' }, (error) => { 
  if (error) console.error("This one's clinging on!", error)
  else console.log('User deleted successfully');
});

Adjust UserModel, name, or _id to your context.

Delete with style: Advanced usage

Deleting documents is not rocket science, but still requires precision. Especially with unique documents, "findOneAndDelete" could be your best friend:

UserModel.findOneAndDelete({ _id: 'unique-user-id' }, (error, result) => {
  if (error) console.error('Oops! Houston we have a problem', error)
  else console.log('Lift off! Document removed:', result);
});

But with mass annihilation, deleteMany or bulkWrite, gets the job done:

UserModel.bulkWrite([
  {
    deleteOne: {
      filter: { age: { $lt: 18 } } // "Adulting" starts early here
    }
  },
  {
    deleteMany: {
      filter: { subscribed: false } // Unengaged users, we barely knew ye
    }
  }
]).then(result => console.log('Bulk operation result:', result))
.catch(error => console.error('Bulk operation failed:', error));

And remember, good things come in small packages. So, avoid long-running delete operations!

Playing with promises and callbacks

Handling asynchronous operations like deletions can be a chess game, but promises make things smooth:

UserModel.deleteMany({ age: { $gte: 65 } })
  .then(result => console.log(`They've partied enough. ${result.deletedCount} users retired`))
  .catch(error => console.error('Can’t stop the party!', error));

Promises are cool like that – they can be easily chained to form an impressive moves sequence!

Troubleshooting guide: Edge cases and pitfalls

Watch out for these common hiccups:

Relation Damages: Remember what Thanos did? Before performing deletions, think about the relations!
Error Handling: Like a good scout, always be prepared for errors.
Precise Targeting: Misfires can accidentally delete half of your universe!

Optimising removals for performance

Use these performance hacks for efficient deletions:

Indexed Fields: These make deletion queries faster than a ninja.
Batch Deletions: These help avoid those monstrous delete operations.
Lean Queries: If only deletion is required, lean mode is the way to go.

Commenting for the future

Like good wine, code too is better when aged well. And good comments make it tastier:

// Removing abandoned carts older than 30 days for inactive users - clean-up time!
UserModel.deleteMany({ 
  'cart.lastUpdated': {
    $lt: new Date(new Date() - 30*24*60*60*1000)
  },
  active: false
}, commentCallback); // Replace `commentCallback` with helpful error handling