Recently I have read a lot about different NoSQL databases and how they are being effectively deployed by some major websites out there. I'm starting a project in which I think the schema-free nature of a database such as MongoDB would be tremendously useful. Everything I have read though seems to indicate that the main advantage of a NoSQL database is scalability. Is choosing a NoSQL database for the schema-free design just as legitimate a design decision as that of scalability?
Yes, sometimes RDBMS are not the best solution, although there are ways to accomodate user defined fields (see XML Datatype, EAV design pattern, or just have spare generic columns) sometimes a schema free database is a good choice.
However, you need to nail down your requirements before choosing to go with a document database, as you will loose a lot of the power you may be used to with the relational model
eg...
If you would otherwise have multiple tables in your RDBMS database, you will need to research the features MongoDB affords you to accomodate these needs.
If you will need to query the data in specific ways, again you need to research what MongoDB offers you.
I wouldnt think of NoSQL as replacement for RDBMS, rather a slightly different tool that brings its own sets of advantages and disadvantages making it more suitable for some projects than others.
(Both databases may be used in some circumstances. Also if you decide to go down the route of possibly using MongoDB, once you have researched the websites out there and have more specific questions, you can visit Freenode IRC #mongodb channel)