In a query, how do you include multiple possible values for a specific field using the $in operator?

The correct method to include multiple possible values for a specific field in a query is by using the $in operator along with an array of values. The $in operator is designed specifically for this purpose, allowing you to specify an array of acceptable values for the field in question.

When you use the $in operator in your query, you enable a streamlined approach to filter documents based on a specified field. For instance, if you're searching for documents with a "status" field that could either be "active", "pending", or "completed", you can structure your query by employing the $in operator as follows:

{ "status": { "$in": ["active", "pending", "completed"] } }

This query checks if the "status" field of a document contains any of the values specified in the array. This is efficient and concise compared to alternative methods.

Utilizing an array with the $in operator greatly simplifies the query construction and enhances readability, making it clear that you're looking for multiple values for the same field at once. Other methods, such as combining $in with $or or repeating the field name multiple times, serve different purposes or lead to more complex queries that can be less efficient.