MongoDB compass getting path collision while exporting as JSON

A "path collision" error while exporting data from MongoDB Compass as JSON indicates that there are fields in your documents that share the same name at different levels within the document hierarchy. This can cause ambiguity when exporting to a flat JSON structure.

Here are ways to resolve the path collision error and successfully export your data as JSON:

1. Deselect Conflicting Fields:

Go back to the "Select Fields" section in the Export JSON window.

Uncheck the box next to the field causing the collision in the higher-level object.

This will ensure the sub-fields under that conflicting field are still included in the export, but the higher-level field itself will be omitted if it's empty or null.

2. Select Only Conflicting Fields:

Uncheck all boxes in the "Select Fields" section.

Then, navigate to the specific sub-fields within the document that you want to export, despite the collision.

This will only include the selected sub-fields (and their values) in the exported JSON, omitting the conflicting higher-level field.

3. Use the $unset Aggregation Pipeline Stage (Advanced):

This method involves modifying the data before export using the aggregation pipeline within MongoDB Compass.

You can define an aggregation stage using the $unset operator to remove the conflicting field from the higher level in the document before exporting.

Here are some resources for further guidance:

MongoDB Compass Official Documentation: https://www.mongodb.com/docs/compass/current/documents/ (Search for "export data" or "JSON export")

Stack Overflow Discussion on Path Collision: https://www.mongodb.com/community/forums/t/path-collision-trying-to-export-collection/115939

MongoDB Aggregation Pipeline - $unset: https://www.mongodb.com/docs/manual/reference/operator/aggregation/unset/ (This page explains the $unset operator)

Choosing the Right Approach:

The best solution depends on your specific needs.

If you need all sub-fields under the conflicting field and don't care about the higher-level conflicting field itself, deselect it.

If the conflicting field is irrelevant and you only want the sub-fields, select only them.

If you need more control over data manipulation before export, consider using the aggregation pipeline with $unset.

By understanding the cause of the path collision error and using these approaches, you should be able to successfully export your MongoDB data as JSON using MongoDB Compass.