Javascript MongoDB dot notation issue for embedded document

Question

I am using MongoDB with Javascript. I am trying to declare the following parameters:

params = {
  title: title,
  description: description,
  "media.image": image,
  feedUpdated: new Date()
};

Then I run a the query using a Service that includes the use of $set as follows:

collection.update({
    _id: ObjectId(id)
  }, {
    $set: {
      params
    }
  }, function(e, updated) {
    cb(e, updated);
  });

But I get the following error:

MongoError: The dotted field 'media.image' in 'params.media.image' is not valid for storage.

I think the issue is due to the fact that by declaring the object using quotes it declares it as an object key "media.image" instead of leaving it as a string. According to MongoDB $set documentation:

To specify a in an embedded document or in an array, use dot notation.

https://docs.mongodb.com/manual/reference/operator/update/set/

I could technically write manually the query to include 'media.image' but I would prefer to declare it in the params and pass it to the Service.

Any ideas? All approaches are welcome!

That's a JavaScript error. What you mean is $set: params. When you do $set: { params } it gets expanded as applying "params" as the name of the key for the object. Much the same as writing '$set': { 'params': params }, which of course you do not want. params is already an object. You don't need to wrap it in one. — Neil Lunn
– Neil Lunn, Commented Sep 10, 2017 at 1:31

imkost · Accepted Answer · 2017-09-09 17:00:38Z

1

You are not allowed to use dots in keys while working with MongoDB. I can suggest two approaches:

// #1 camelCase
params = {
  title: title,
  description: description,
  mediaImage: image,
  feedUpdated: new Date()
}

// #2 object
params = {
  title: title,
  description: description,
  media: { image: image },
  feedUpdated: new Date()
}

answered Sep 9, 2017 at 17:00

imkost

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3 Comments

galgo Over a year ago

To specify a <field> in an embedded document or in an array, use dot notation. docs.mongodb.com/manual/reference/operator/update/set

Neil Lunn Over a year ago

Not the issue. What the OP is trying to do "dot notation" wise is perfectly valid. The actual problem is a misunderstanding of JavaScript syntax.

imkost Over a year ago

I've got it now, thanks. I thought OP is trying to update params field.

Hector O · Accepted Answer · 2019-11-06 18:57:38Z

0

With JavaScript, thanks to ECMAScript 2015 computed property names, you can use dot notation by adding brackets [] around the key in question. In your case, it would be:

params = {
  title: title,
  description: description,
  ["media.image"]: image,
  feedUpdated: new Date()
};

answered Nov 6, 2019 at 18:57

Hector O

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