This book is for anyone who is interested in improving the performance of a MongoDB database or the applications that depend on that database. This includes application architects, developers, and database administrators.  

Although the book presents a coherent and logical ceiling-to-floor approach to database tuning, not all sections of the book will appeal equally to all readers. For instance, developers may find the sections on application code more helpful than the sections on IO optimization. Likewise, database administrators who have no access to application code will probably find the sections on server optimization more useful.  

Each of these groups may choose to skip sections of the book covering aspects of performance over which they have no control. However, we would emphasize that the philosophy of this book advocates addressing the root causes of performance issues before alleviating symptoms. It is assumed in later chapters (Chapter12, for instance) that you have performed the activities outlined in earlier chapters (e.g., Chapter 5).  

We intend this book to be accessible to those who are relatively new to the MongoDB database, so we at least briefly explain and define key concepts and MongoDB architecture. However, some familiarity with MongoDB and the JavaScript programming language is assumed.