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BSON vs MessagePack
BSON and MessagePack can both represent binary document-like data, but BSON is a typed document representation associated with MongoDB while MessagePack is a general-purpose object serialization format.
Which format should you choose?
Use BSON for MongoDB documents and BSON-specific values such as ObjectId and dates. Consider MessagePack for compact object exchange outside MongoDB, and agree on extension types and receiver support.
Good fit for BSON
Serializing MongoDB documents · Exchanging documents between BSON-aware tools
- Preserving types such as dates and binary values
- Working with drivers and tools that read and write BSON
Good fit for MessagePack
Binary serialization of JSON-like data · Structured data exchange between compatible applications
- Encoding JSON-style arrays, maps, and basic values in binary
- Exchanging extension values and timestamps between compatible libraries
Basic information
| Field | BSON | MessagePack |
|---|---|---|
| Extension | .bson | .msgpack, .mpk |
| MIME type | application/bson | application/octet-stream |
| Common uses | Serializing MongoDB documents · Exchanging documents between BSON-aware tools | Binary serialization of JSON-like data · Structured data exchange between compatible applications |
| How to open | Read it with mongorestore or a BSON-aware tool or library. To inspect its contents, convert BSON to Extended JSON or another readable representation. Do not edit the binary file in a text editor. | Read it with a MessagePack-aware library or decoder. For inspection, use diagnostic output or a JSON-like view, and check how binary values and extensions are displayed. |
| Export or convert | When converting to JSON, dates, ObjectId, and binary values may need Extended JSON notation or application-specific representations because standard JSON has no matching types. If you need a round trip, choose a method that preserves type information and test it with real data. | When converting to JSON, binary values and extensions may need arrays, strings, or custom wrappers because standard JSON has no direct equivalents. For round trips, test actual values, numeric ranges, timestamps, map keys, and extension types. |
Choose by use case
Preserving types such as dates and binary values
Serializing MongoDB documents · Exchanging documents between BSON-aware tools
BSONWorking with drivers and tools that read and write BSON
Serializing MongoDB documents · Exchanging documents between BSON-aware tools
BSONEncoding JSON-style arrays, maps, and basic values in binary
Binary serialization of JSON-like data · Structured data exchange between compatible applications
MessagePackExchanging extension values and timestamps between compatible libraries
Binary serialization of JSON-like data · Structured data exchange between compatible applications
MessagePackKey point 1
BSON defines length-prefixed documents and arrays with explicit types such as dates, ObjectId, and Decimal128. MessagePack provides general maps, arrays, numbers, strings, binary values, and application-defined extensions.
More on the differencesKey point 2
BSON fits MongoDB document models and related tools; MessagePack is designed for general serialization without requiring a particular database.
More on the differencesMore on the differences
Choose BSON when MongoDB-compatible document types matter; choose MessagePack for a database-independent binary object protocol. Before conversion, map dates, integer widths, decimals, ObjectId, and extension values, then test round trips.
- Both use binary encodings, but their structures and type systems differ; neither can be read directly as the other.
- BSON has specific document-related types and conventions. MessagePack extension types require applications to define the meaning of their type codes.
- Conversion may alter dates, numeric ranges, decimals, or identifier semantics. Document mappings and validate values with the receiving implementation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I rename a BSON file to MessagePack?
No. Changing an extension does not transcode the binary structure or its types; use a decoder and serializer with explicit field mappings.