What it is: MongoDB now offers native full-text search and vector search capabilities in the source-available, free-to-use Community Edition. This public preview allows developers to build advanced search and AI-driven features like autocomplete, semantic retrieval, and hybrid search in their self-managed environments. These capabilities operate on a separate binary, mongot, that keeps indexes in sync through MongoDB Change Streams. With search and vector search capabilities integrated in Community Edition, developers can prototype and test powerful applications without needing an external search engine or vector database. Who it’s for:
 This is for developers, DBAs, and startups who use MongoDB Community Edition and want to build and test modern, AI-driven features in their self-managed environments without operational overhead and the synchronization tax of managing a separate search stack. Why it matters:
 By embedding full-text search and vector search capabilities into Community Edition, MongoDB simplifies data architecture, reduces costs, and accelerates development cycles. Developers can focus on building modern, innovative applications rather than managing additional infrastructure. Please note: this preview is intended for development and evaluation only (not production). For best performance, deploy search components on dedicated infrastructure. Once generally available, these capabilities will be licensed under the Server Side Public License (SSPL). How to get started: Click the documentation link below for a step-by-step guide on how to get started with search and vector search in MongoDB Community Edition.