node.js - Express: passing options to an included server -

i develop express website can run either stand-alone or part of larger server while allowing degree of configuration.

for example, have large main server in server.js , write server app.js defines route /* provide small service. want able either:

• run app.js standalone, provide routes through localhost:port/
• define route within server.js maps server, example /app/* allow app.js handle requests.

reading through smashing node, see if define express server , routes in app.js, can use: server.use('/app', require('app.js') gain use of routes. problem approach not see how pass configuration options app.js.

you write app.js module callable function:

var express = require("express");  var app; // <-- note global  var initialize = function(conf) {     if (app) {         return app;     }      conf = conf || {};      app = express();      // here goes configutation code, example:     if (conf.static) {         app.use(express.static(conf.static));     }     return app; };  if (require.main === module) {     // if standalone, fire     initialize({ static: __dirname + "/public" }); }  // , export module.exports = exports = initialize; 

and in other file:

var app = require("app.js")({ static: __dirname + "/public" }); 

note singleton, further calls module function return same server:

app == require("app.js")(); 

i'm sure can tweak needs.