Difference between MongoDB and Mongoose

I assume you already know that MongoDB is a NoSQL database system which stores data in the form of BSON documents. Your question, however is about the packages for Node.js.

In terms of Node.js, mongodb is the native driver for interacting with a mongodb instance and mongoose is an Object modeling tool for MongoDB.

mongoose is built on top of the mongodb driver to provide programmers with a way to model their data.

EDIT: I do not want to comment on which is better, as this would make this answer opinionated. However I will list some advantages and disadvantages of using both approaches.

Using mongoose, a user can define the schema for the documents in a particular collection. It provides a lot of convenience in the creation and management of data in MongoDB. On the downside, learning mongoose can take some time, and has some limitations in handling schemas that are quite complex.

However, if your collection schema is unpredictable, or you want a Mongo-shell like experience inside Node.js, then go ahead and use the mongodb driver. It is the simplest to pick up. The downside here is that you will have to write larger amounts of code for validating the data, and the risk of errors is higher.

Mongo is NoSQL Database.

If you don't want to use any ORM for your data models then you can also use native driver mongo.js: https://github.com/mongodb/node-mongodb-native.

Mongoose is one of the orm's who give us functionality to access the mongo data with easily understandable queries.

Mongoose plays as a role of abstraction over your database model.

One more difference I found with respect to both is that it is fairly easy to connect to multiple databases with mongodb native driver while you have to use work arounds in mongoose which still have some drawbacks.

So if you wanna go for a multitenant application, go for mongodb native driver.

Mongodb and Mongoose are two different drivers to interact with MongoDB database.

Mongoose : object data modeling (ODM) library that provides a rigorous modeling environment for your data. Used to interact with MongoDB, it makes life easier by providing convenience in managing data.

Mongodb: native driver in Node.js to interact with MongoDB.

From the first answer,

"Using Mongoose, a user can define the schema for the documents in a particular collection. It provides a lot of convenience in the creation and management of data in MongoDB."

You can now also define schema with mongoDB native driver using

##For new collection

db.createCollection("recipes",
    validator: { $jsonSchema: {
         <<Validation Rules>>
        }
    }
)

##For existing collection

db.runCommand({
    collMod: "recipes",
    validator: { $jsonSchema: {
         <<Validation Rules>>
        }
    }
})
    

##full example

db.createCollection("recipes", {
  validator: {
    $jsonSchema: {
      bsonType: "object",
      required: ["name", "servings", "ingredients"],
      additionalProperties: false,
      properties: {
        _id: {},
        name: {
          bsonType: "string",
          description: "'name' is required and is a string"
        },
        servings: {
          bsonType: ["int", "double"],
          minimum: 0,
          description:
            "'servings' is required and must be an integer with a minimum of zero."
        },
        cooking_method: {
          enum: [
            "broil",
            "grill",
            "roast",
            "bake",
            "saute",
            "pan-fry",
            "deep-fry",
            "poach",
            "simmer",
            "boil",
            "steam",
            "braise",
            "stew"
          ],
          description:
            "'cooking_method' is optional but, if used, must be one of the listed options."
        },
        ingredients: {
          bsonType: ["array"],
          minItems: 1,
          maxItems: 50,
          items: {
            bsonType: ["object"],
            required: ["quantity", "measure", "ingredient"],
            additionalProperties: false,
            description: "'ingredients' must contain the stated fields.",
            properties: {
              quantity: {
                bsonType: ["int", "double", "decimal"],
                description:
                  "'quantity' is required and is of double or decimal type"
              },
              measure: {
                enum: ["tsp", "Tbsp", "cup", "ounce", "pound", "each"],
                description:
                  "'measure' is required and can only be one of the given enum values"
              },
              ingredient: {
                bsonType: "string",
                description: "'ingredient' is required and is a string"
              },
              format: {
                bsonType: "string",
                description:
                  "'format' is an optional field of type string, e.g. chopped or diced"
              }
            }
          }
        }
      }
    }
  }
});

Insert collection Example

db.recipes.insertOne({
  name: "Chocolate Sponge Cake Filling",
  servings: 4,
  ingredients: [
    {
      quantity: 7,
      measure: "ounce",
      ingredient: "bittersweet chocolate",
      format: "chopped"
    },
    { quantity: 2, measure: "cup", ingredient: "heavy cream" }
  ]
});

If you are planning to use these components along with your proprietary code then please refer below information.

Mongodb:

It's a database. This component is governed by the Affero General Public License (AGPL) license. If you link this component along with your proprietary code then you have to release your entire source code in the public domain, because of it's viral effect like (GPL, LGPL etc) If you are hosting your application over the cloud, the (2) will apply and also you have to release your installation information to the end users.

Mongoose:

It's an object modeling tool. This component is governed by the MIT license. Allowed to use this component along with the proprietary code, without any restrictions. Shipping your application using any media or host is allowed.

mongo-db is likely not a great choice for new developers.
On the other hand mongoose as an ORM (Object Relational Mapping) can be a better choice for the new-bies.

Mongoose is built untop of mongodb driver, the mongodb driver is more low level. Mongoose provides that easy abstraction to easily define a schema and query. But on the perfomance side Mongdb Driver is best.

Mongodb and Mongoose are two completely different things!

Mongodb is the database itself, while Mongoose is an object modeling tool for Mongodb

EDIT: As pointed out MongoDB is the npm package, thanks!

MongoDB is The official MongoDB Node.js driver allows Node.js applications to connect to MongoDB and work with data. On the other side Mongoose it other library build on top of mongoDB. It is more easier to understand and use. If you are a beginner than mongoose is better for you to work with.