Alternative of MongoDB operator $eq to get similar result

For writing an equality query in MongoDB, you can use implicit equality with find() instead of the explicit $eq operator. Both approaches produce identical results when matching field values.

Syntax

// Using implicit equality (alternative to $eq)
db.collection.find({"field": "value"});

// Equivalent using explicit $eq operator
db.collection.find({"field": {$eq: "value"}});

Sample Data

db.demo145.insertMany([
    {"ListOfNames": ["Chris", "David", "Mike"]},
    {"ListOfNames": ["Bob", "John"]}
]);

{
    "acknowledged": true,
    "insertedId": ObjectId("5e32f37bfdf09dd6d08539bb")
}
{
    "acknowledged": true,
    "insertedId": ObjectId("5e32f384fdf09dd6d08539bc")
}

Display all documents from the collection ?

db.demo145.find();

{"_id": ObjectId("5e32f37bfdf09dd6d08539bb"), "ListOfNames": ["Chris", "David", "Mike"]}
{"_id": ObjectId("5e32f384fdf09dd6d08539bc"), "ListOfNames": ["Bob", "John"]}

Example: Implicit Equality vs $eq Operator

Find documents where the array contains "John" using implicit equality ?

db.demo145.find({"ListOfNames": "John"});

{"_id": ObjectId("5e32f384fdf09dd6d08539bc"), "ListOfNames": ["Bob", "John"]}

The same result using explicit $eq operator ?

db.demo145.find({"ListOfNames": {$eq: "John"}});

{"_id": ObjectId("5e32f384fdf09dd6d08539bc"), "ListOfNames": ["Bob", "John"]}

Key Points

• Implicit equality is shorter and more commonly used than explicit $eq.
• Both approaches work identically for array element matching and field value comparison.
• Use explicit $eq only when building complex query expressions or for code clarity.

Conclusion

Implicit equality using find({"field": "value"}) is the preferred alternative to $eq operator. It produces identical results with cleaner, more readable syntax for simple equality queries.