renameCollection() (Rename a Collection)
Last updated: 2026-10-09
renameCollection() (Rename a Collection)
renameCollection() renames a collection, e.g. `db.users.renameCollection('members')`. Data and indexes survive the rename, but a name collision errors by default; pass {dropTarget: true} to drop the target first. The collection is briefly unavailable during the operation, so schedule renames carefully in production.
| Category | Index & Admin |
|---|---|
| MongoDB Version | 1.0+ |
| Example Language | mongosh (Shell) |
📝 Syntax
db.<collection>.renameCollection(<newName>, { dropTarget: <bool> })⚙️ Parameters
| new name | The new collection name (string). |
|---|---|
| dropTarget | Optional. true drops an existing target first; default false errors. |
Returns：Result object with an ok status.
▶ Example
Run the commands below in your local mongosh (requires a running mongod):
// renameCollection: rename users to members
db.users.renameCollection('members')Output：
{ ok: 1 }📌 Notes
- The collection is briefly unavailable during the rename
- An existing target errors by default; pass dropTarget: true
- Update collection-name references in your code as well
🏷️ Related Tags
💡 Related Cases
More hands-on cases coming soon.
📚 Related Tutorials
❓ FAQ
QDoes renameCollection lose data?
ANo — data and indexes are preserved intact; only the name changes.
QWhat if the new name already exists?
AIt errors by default; {dropTarget: true} drops the same-named collection first.
QCan I read/write during a rename?
AThe operation is atomic but briefly locks the collection; schedule it off-peak in production.
