> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.itential.com/itential-platform/2023-2/release-notes/breaking-changes/mongo-database-no-longer-supports-callbacks/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.itential.com/_mcp/server.

# Database no longer supports callbacks

> Breaking change notice that the MongoDB Node Driver used in the global database variable no longer supports callbacks in 2023.2, requiring migration to Promises or async/await.

## Breaking change notice

Itential Platform 2023.2 introduces a breaking change in which the MongoDB Node Driver version no longer supports callbacks.

## Global database change

Itential has upgraded the MongoDB Node Driver version used in the global `database` variable available to custom applications and adapters. The new version no longer supports callbacks — it uses a Promise-only API. All other arguments (filters, updates, options, etc.) remain unchanged. Previously, the last argument of all database operations accepted a callback function that was invoked when the operation completed.

## What should I do?

The following example shows a callback-based operation using the global `database` variable. Callback functions used an "error-first" syntax, where any error was returned as the first argument and the result of a successful operation as the second:

```js
class myCog {
  myMethod(name, callback) {
    const filter = { name };

    database.collection('my-collection').findOne(filter, (err, doc) => {
      if (err) {
        return callback(null, err);
      }
      return callback(doc);
    });
  }
}
```

There are two approaches for migrating to the Promise-based API:

### Option 1: Use then() and catch()

Chain `.then()` and `.catch()` methods on the returned Promise. Each takes a function executed on success or failure:

```js
class myCog {
  myMethod(name, callback) {
    const filter = { name };

    database.collection('my-collection').findOne(filter)
      .then((doc) => {
        return callback(doc);
      })
      .catch((err) => {
        return callback(null, err);
      });
  }
}
```

### Option 2: Use async/await

Define the method as `async` and `await` the Promise. This produces a flatter, simpler syntax. If a Promise is awaited, it returns the successful result or throws an error if the Promise rejects:

```js
class myCog {
  async myMethod(name, callback) {
    const filter = { name };

    try {
      const doc = await database.collection('my-collection').findOne(filter);
      return callback(doc);
    } catch (err) {
      return callback(null, err);
    }
  }
}
```

If you experience any issues or need assistance with your migration, contact the [Product Support Team](https://itential.atlassian.net/servicedesk/customer/portals).

> Breaking change notice that the MongoDB Node Driver used in the global database variable no longer supports callbacks in 2023.2, requiring migration to Promises or async/await.