Develop Reference

MongoDB get data to display in HTML

I'm trying to display mongodb data in my html page. I've already managed to insert data in db but for some reason my "get" function does not work.
I'm using node.js with express framework and Angular for front-end and routing.
This is my "get" function to retreive data from MongoDB:
var mongo = require('mongodb');
var assert = require('assert');
var url = 'mongodb://localhost:27017/loodgieters';
router.get('/get-data', function(req, res, next) {
var resultArray = [];
mongo.connect(url, function(err, db){
assert.equal(null, err);
var cursor = db.collection('user-data').find();
cursor.forEach(function(doc, err){
assert.equal(null, err);
resultArray.push(doc);
}, function(){
db.close();
res.render('index', {items: resultArray});
});
});
});
And my "post" which works
router.post('/insert', function(req, res, next) {
var item = {
name: req.body.name,
adress: req.body.adress,
postal: req.body.postal,
city: req.body.city,
email: req.body.email,
phone: req.body.phone,
quotation: req.body.quotation,
message: req.body.message
};
mongo.connect(url, function(err, db) {
assert.equal(null, err);
db.collection('user-data').insertOne(item, function(err, result){
assert.equal(null, err);
console.log('Item inserted');
db.close();
});
});
res.redirect('/contact');
});

i am not sure if this is the correct way to open and close mongo connection each time you are trying to query .
if you want to go for another approach then use mongoose
and follow something like this
https://pastebin.com/g7aatzzj

I think that you have a mistake in your .find().forEach function callbacks. The error handling seems to be in the endCallback not the iteratorCallback.
According to the official doc, the correct way should be :
var mongo = require('mongodb');
var assert = require('assert');
var url = 'mongodb://localhost:27017/loodgieters';
router.get('/get-data', function(req, res, next) {
var resultArray = [];
mongo.connect(url, function(err, db){
assert.equal(null, err);
var cursor = db.collection('user-data').find({});
cursor.forEach(function(doc){
assert.notEqual(null, doc);
resultArray.push(doc);
}, function(err, doc){
assert.equal(null, err);
db.close();
res.render('index', {items: resultArray});
});
});
});
This can also be found in their unit tests
var cursor = collection.find({})
.map(function(x) { return {a:1}; })
.batchSize(5)
.limit(10);
cursor.forEach(function(doc) {
test.equal(1, doc.a);
}, function(err, doc) {
test.equal(null, err);
db.close();
test.done();
});
I think that you must have a error that is not passed to the first callback and not handled in the second one. So you do not see the error.

Try to insert an empty object to the find() function as following:
var cursor = db.collection('user-data').find({});

I have just run your code and modified it a bit for my purposes.
Please find the following snippet
//Instantiate MongoClient
var mongo = require('mongodb').MongoClient;
//Assert library (Perhaps overkill if you are writing production-level code)
var assert = require('assert');
//Express engine
var express = require('express');
//URL for my mongo instance
//Connecting to the blog database
var url = 'mongodb://localhost:27017/blog';
//Instantiate express
var router = express();
//Get operation
router.get('/get', function(req, res, next) {
var resultArray = [];
mongo.connect(url, function(err, db){
assert.equal(null, err);
var cursor = db.collection('posts').find();
cursor.forEach(function(doc, err){
assert.equal(null, err);
resultArray.push(doc);
}, function(){
db.close();
//I have no index file to render, so I print the result to console
//Also send back the JSON string bare through the channel
console.log(resultArray);
res.send(resultArray);
});
});
});
//Start listeninig
//Hardcoded port 1000
var server = router.listen(1000, function() {
var host = server.address().address;
var port = server.address().port;
console.log("Content Provider Service listening at http://%s:%s", host, port);
});
Therefore to get this working for you:
Change the url to 'mongodb://localhost:27017/loodgieters';
Change router to '/get-data'
I hope this helps!
Also consider using splitting the implementation of the get operation to another module to help for the Separation of Responsibilities to make your code more robust.

Creating Rest API using Node.js, Express, and MongoDB .post() error

I'm attempting to create a Rest API using Node.js, Express, and MongoDB. I am currently running on my local host :3000. When I try to restart and run the server I am getting this error:
Error: .post() requires callback functions but got a [object Undefined]
Attached below is my code.
I am new to this, not sure what that error is or how to fix. Thanks in advance!
server.js
var express = require('express'),
drink = require('./routes/drinks');
var app = express();
app.configure(function () {
app.use(express.logger('dev')); /* 'default', 'short', 'tiny', 'dev' */
app.use(express.bodyParser());
});
app.get('/drinks', drink.findAll);
app.get('/drinks/:id', drink.findById);
app.post('/drinks', drink.addWine);
app.put('/drinks/:id', drink.updateWine);
app.delete('/drinks/:id', drink.deleteWine);
app.listen(3000);
console.log('Listening on port 3000...');
drinks.js
var mongo = require('mongodb');
var Server = mongo.Server,
Db = mongo.Db,
BSON = mongo.BSONPure;
var server = new Server('localhost', 27017, {auto_reconnect: true});
db = new Db('drinkdb', server);
db.open(function(err, db) {
if(!err) {
console.log("Connected to 'drinkdb' database");
db.collection('drinks', {strict:true}, function(err, collection) {
if (err) {
console.log("The 'drinks' collection doesn't exist. Creating it with sample data...");
populateDB();
}
});
}
});
exports.findById = function(req, res) {
var id = req.params.id;
console.log('Retrieving drink: ' + id);
db.collection('drinks', function(err, collection) {
collection.findOne({'_id':new BSON.ObjectID(id)}, function(err, item) {
res.send(item);
});
});
};
exports.findAll = function(req, res) {
db.collection('drinks', function(err, collection) {
collection.find().toArray(function(err, items) {
res.send(items);
});
});
};
exports.addDrink = function(req, res) {
var drink = req.body;
console.log('Adding drink: ' + JSON.stringify(drink));
db.collection('drinks', function(err, collection) {
collection.insert(drink, {safe:true}, function(err, result) {
if (err) {
res.send({'error':'An error has occurred'});
} else {
console.log('Success: ' + JSON.stringify(result[0]));
res.send(result[0]);
}
});
});
};
exports.updateDrink = function(req, res) {
var id = req.params.id;
var drink = req.body;
console.log('Updating drink: ' + id);
console.log(JSON.stringify(drink));
db.collection('drinks', function(err, collection) {
collection.update({'_id':new BSON.ObjectID(id)}, drink, {safe:true}, function(err, result) {
if (err) {
console.log('Error updating drink: ' + err);
res.send({'error':'An error has occurred'});
} else {
console.log('' + result + ' document(s) updated');
res.send(drink);
}
});
});
};
exports.deleteDrink = function(req, res) {
var id = req.params.id;
console.log('Deleting drink: ' + id);
db.collection('drinks', function(err, collection) {
collection.remove({'_id':new BSON.ObjectID(id)}, {safe:true}, function(err, result) {
if (err) {
res.send({'error':'An error has occurred - ' + err});
} else {
console.log('' + result + ' document(s) deleted');
res.send(req.body);
}
});
});
};
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
// Populate database with sample data -- Only used once: the first time the application is started.
// You'd typically not find this code in a real-life app, since the database would already exist.
var populateDB = function() {
var drinks = [{
id: "1",
name: "Margarita",
//ingredients: ["Tequila","Lime juice","Triple Sec","Lime","Salt","Ice"],
//measurements: ["2 oz","1 oz","1 oz","1","optional","optional"],
directions: "Shake the other ingredients with ice, then carefully pour into the glass. Served: On the rocks; poured over ice. Optional: Salt the rim of the glass by rubbing lime on it so it sticks."
},{
id: "2",
name: "Strawberry Margarita",
//ingredients: ["Tequila", "Lime juice","Triple Sec","Strawberries","Lime","Salt", "Ice"],
//measurements: ["2 oz","1 oz", "1 oz", "3 1/2 cups", "1", "optional", "optional"],
directions: "Combine strawberries, ice, tequila, lime juice, and triple sec in a blender, and process until the mixture is smooth. Carefully pour into the glass. Served: On the rocks; poured over ice. Optional: Salt the rim of the glass by rubbing lime on it so it sticks."
}];
db.collection('drinks', function(err, collection) {
collection.insert(drinks, {safe:true}, function(err, result) {});
});
};

As I see in the drinks.js you are exporting addDrink function but in the server.js you are trying to use undefined addWine function.
Try to rename Wine to Drink in server.js routes handlers.

Unable to retrieve data from API using Express NodeJS and MongoDB, loading

I'm attempting to create a Rest API using Node.js, Express, and MongoDB. I am currently running on my local host :3000. When I try to restart and run the server I am using the route http://localhost:3000/drinks
I use Postman to send HTTP requests.
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/postman/fhbjgbiflinjbdggehcddcbncdddomop?hl=en
While trying to send the route above, it does not retrieve any information. It just continues load.
This is my first time creating a REST API and I'm not sure why it isn't retrieving the data. Attached below is my code. Thanks in advance!
server.js
var express = require('express'),
drink = require('./routes/drinks');
var app = express();
app.configure(function () {
app.use(express.logger('dev')); /* 'default', 'short', 'tiny', 'dev' */
app.use(express.bodyParser());
});
app.get('/drinks', drink.findAll);
app.get('/drinks/:id', drink.findById);
app.listen(3000);
console.log('Listening on port 3000...');
drinks.js
var mongo = require('mongodb');
var Server = mongo.Server,
Db = mongo.Db,
BSON = mongo.BSONPure;
var server = new Server('localhost', 27017, {auto_reconnect: true});
db = new Db('drinkdb', server);
db.open(function(err, db) {
if(!err) {
console.log("Connected to 'drinkdb' database");
db.collection('drinks', {strict:true}, function(err, collection) {
if (err) {
console.log("The 'drinks' collection doesn't exist. Creating it with sample data...");
populateDB();
}
});
}
});
exports.findById = function(req, res) {
var id = req.params.id;
console.log('Retrieving drink: ' + id);
db.collection('drinks', function(err, collection) {
collection.findOne({'_id':new BSON.ObjectID(id)}, function(err, item) {
res.send(item);
});
});
};
exports.findAll = function(req, res) {
db.collection('drinks', function(err, collection) {
collection.find().toArray(function(err, drinks) {
res.send(drinks);
});
});
};
/*---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*/
// Populate database with sample data -- Only used once: the first time the application is started.
// You'd typically not find this code in a real-life app, since the database would already exist.
var populateDB = function() {
var drinks = [
{
id: "1",
name: "Margarita",
ingredients: ["Tequila","Lime juice","Triple Sec","Lime","Salt","Ice"],
measurements: ["2 oz","1 oz","1 oz","1","optional","optional"],
directions: "Shake the other ingredients with ice, then carefully pour into the glass. Served: On the roc\
ks; poured over ice. Optional: Salt the rim of the glass by rubbing lime on it so it sticks."
},
{
id: "2",
name: "Strawberry Margarita",
ingredients: ["Tequila", "Lime juice","Triple Sec","Strawberries","Lime","Salt", "Ice"],
measurements: ["2 oz","1 oz", "1 oz", "3 1/2 cups", "1", "optional", "optional"],
directions: "Combine strawberries, ice, tequila, lime juice, and triple sec in a blender, and process unt\
il the mixture is smooth. Carefully pour into the glass. Served: On the rocks; poured over ice. Optional: Salt the ri\
m of the glass by rubbing lime on it so it sticks."
}];
db.collection('drinks', function(err, collection) {
collection.insert(drinks, {safe:true}, function(err, result) {});
});
};
Warnings are:
express deprecated app.configure: Check app.get('env') in an if statement server.js:6:5
connect deprecated multipart: use parser (multiparty, busboy, formidable) npm module instead node_modules/express/node_modules/connect/lib/middleware/bodyParser.js:56:20
connect deprecated limit: Restrict request size at location of read node_modules/express/node_modules/connect/lib/middleware/multipart.js:86:15

I think Ashley is on the right track. But to make it more clear where the problem is happening try using this as a guide:
http://expressjs.com/en/guide/routing.html
app.get('/drinks', function (req, res) {
drink.findAll(req, res);
});
Then you can add logging in between this call and in your findAll function.

Your models (drinks.js) accept two parameters (req & res) but on your route you don't pass in any parameters.
Try the following:
app.get('/drinks', function(req, res) {
drink.findAll(req, res);
});
app.get('/drinks/:id', function(req, res){
drink.findById(req, res);
});
Alternatively, you could achieve the same with a callback based structure:
server.js
...
app.get('/drinks', function(req, res) {
drink.findAll(function(err, drinks){
res.send(drinks)
});
});
...
drinks.js
...
exports.findAll = function(callback) {
db.collection('drinks', function(err, collection) {
collection.find().toArray(function(err, drinks) {
callback(err, drinks)
});
});
};
(error handling required)
...

child_process.fork - process.send does not return message

I am running this script with node child_process.fork api.
That is my express application script, from where I start my application:
/**
* Module dependencies.
*/
var express = require('express')
, routes = require('./routes')
, http = require('http')
, path = require('path');
var app = express();
//database connection
var connection = require('express-myconnection');
var mysql = require('mysql');
//all environments
app.set('port', process.env.PORT || 3000);
app.set('views', __dirname + '/views');
app.set('view engine', 'jade');
app.use(express.favicon());
app.use(express.logger('dev'));
app.use(express.bodyParser());
app.use(express.methodOverride());
app.use(express.static(path.join(__dirname, 'public')));
//development only
if ('development' == app.get('env')) {
app.use(express.errorHandler());
}
app.use(
connection(mysql,{
host: 'localhost',
user: 'root',
password : '',
port : 3306, //port mysql
database:'test-db'
},'pool')
);
//routes
//app.get('/', routes.index);
app.get('/', routes.list);
app.use(app.router);
//run script
var cp = require('child_process');
var child = cp.fork('dataGrabber/pusherMysql');
child.on('message', function(m) {
// Receive results from child process
console.log('received: ' + m);
});
http.createServer(app).listen(app.get('port'), function(){
console.log('Express server listening on port ' + app.get('port') + ' http://localhost:' + app.get('port'));
});
That`s the part where I run my script:
//run script
var cp = require('child_process');
var child = cp.fork('dataGrabber/pusherAPI');
child.on('message', function(m) {
// Receive results from child process
console.log('received: ' + m);
});
As you can see I load my script and want to receive a message from the child.
That is my pusherAPI.js script:
var mysql = require('mysql');
var Pusher = require('pusher-client');
/**
* connect with mysql db
*/
var connection = mysql.createConnection({
host : 'localhost',
user : 'root',
database : 'test-db',
port : '3306',
password : ''
});
connection.connect(function(err) {
if (err) {
console.error('error connecting: ' + err.stack);
return;
}
console.log('connected as id ' + connection.threadId);
});
//connect with the server
var API_KEY = 'cb65d0a7a72cd94adf1f';
var pusher = new Pusher(API_KEY, {
encrypted: true
});
var channel = pusher.subscribe("ticker.160");
channel.bind("message", function(data) {
console.log(data);
this.data = data;
/**
* save data to db
*/
var trade = {
timestamp : data.trade.timestamp,
price : data.trade.topbuy.price,
};
var query = connection.query('INSERT INTO trades SET ?', trade, function(err, result) {
if (err) {
connection.rollback(function() {
throw err;
});
}
//push message back to the app.js
process.on('message', function(m) {
// Pass results back to parent process
m = "insert happened";
process.send(m);
});
connection.commit(function(err) {
if (err) {
connection.rollback(function() {
throw err;
});
}
});
});
console.log(query.sql);
});
I want to send a message back to my app.js, whenever an insertion happened to my sql db
My script starts and runs my queries. However, process.send(m); does not send anything back.
Any recommendations what I am doing wrong?
I appreciate your answer!
Update
When changing my pusherAPI.js to, I get nothing back in the console.
var channel = pusher.subscribe("ticker.160");
process.on('insert_message', function(m) {
channel.bind("message", function(data) {
console.log(data);
this.data = data;
/**
* save data to db
*/
var trade = {
timestamp : data.trade.timestamp,
price : data.trade.topbuy.price,
};
var query = connection.query('INSERT INTO trades SET ?', trade, function(err, result) {
if (err) {
connection.rollback(function() {
throw err;
});
}
//push message back to the app.js
// Pass results back to parent process
m = "insert happened";
process.send(m);
connection.commit(function(err) {
if (err) {
connection.rollback(function() {
throw err;
});
}
});
});
console.log(query.sql);
});
});
In my app.js I changed my code like that:
//run script
var cp = require('child_process');
var child = cp.fork('dataGrabber/pusherAPI');
child.on('insert_message', function(m) {
// Receive results from child process
console.log('received: ' + m);
});

Move your process.send(m); outside of the message event handler. Otherwise you're adding a new message event handler for every query and those event handlers only fire when the parent process sends it a message. Example:
var channel = pusher.subscribe("ticker.160");
channel.bind("message", function(data) {
this.data = data;
/**
* save data to db
*/
var trade = {
timestamp : data.trade.timestamp,
price : data.trade.topbuy.price,
};
var query = connection.query('INSERT INTO trades SET ?',
trade,
function(err, result) {
if (err) {
connection.rollback(function() {
throw err;
});
return;
}
//push message back to the app.js
m = "insert happened";
process.send(m);
connection.commit(function(err) {
if (err) {
connection.rollback(function() {
throw err;
});
}
});
});
});

node.js & express - global modules & best practices for application structure

I'm building a node.js app that is a REST api using express and mongoose for my mongodb. I've got the CRUD endpoints all setup now, but I was just wondering two things.
How do I expand on this way of routes, specifically, how do I share modules between routes. I want each of my routes to go in a new file, but obviously only one database connection as you can see i've included mongoose at the top of people.js.
Do I have to write out the schema of the model 3 times in my people.js? The first schema defines the model, then I list all the vars out in the createPerson and updatePerson functions. This feels like how I made php/mysql CRUD back in the day lol. For the update function, I've tried writing a loop to loop through "p" to auto detect what fields to update, but to no avail. Any tips or suggestions would be great.
Also, I'd love any opinions on the app as a whole, being new to node, it's hard to know that the way you are doing something is the most efficient or "best" practice. Thanks!
app.js
// Node Modules
var express = require('express');
app = express();
app.port = 3000;
// Routes
var people = require('./routes/people');
/*
var locations = require('./routes/locations');
var menus = require('./routes/menus');
var products = require('./routes/products');
*/
// Node Configure
app.configure(function(){
app.use(express.bodyParser());
app.use(app.router);
});
// Start the server on port 3000
app.listen(app.port);
/*********
ENDPOINTS
*********/
// People
app.get('/people', people.allPeople); // Return all people
app.post('/people', people.createPerson); // Create A Person
app.get('/people/:id', people.personById); // Return person by id
app.put('/people/:id', people.updatePerson); // Update a person by id
app.delete('/people/:id', people.deletePerson); // Delete a person by id
console.log('Server started on port ' + app.port);
people.js
//Database
var mongoose = require("mongoose");
mongoose.connect('mongodb://Shans-MacBook-Pro.local/lantern/');
// Schema
var Schema = mongoose.Schema;
var Person = new Schema({
first_name: String,
last_name: String,
address: {
unit: Number,
address: String,
zipcode: String,
city: String,
region: String,
country: String
},
image: String,
job_title: String,
created_at: { type: Date, default: Date.now },
active_until: { type: Date, default: null },
hourly_wage: Number,
store_id: Number, // Inheirit store info
employee_number: Number
});
var PersonModel = mongoose.model('Person', Person);
// Return all people
exports.allPeople = function(req, res){
return PersonModel.find(function (err, person) {
if (!err) {
return res.send(person);
} else {
return res.send(err);
}
});
}
// Create A Person
exports.createPerson = function(req, res){
var person = new PersonModel({
first_name: req.body.first_name,
last_name: req.body.last_name,
address: {
unit: req.body.address.unit,
address: req.body.address.address,
zipcode: req.body.address.zipcode,
city: req.body.address.city,
region: req.body.address.region,
country: req.body.address.country
},
image: req.body.image,
job_title: req.body.job_title,
hourly_wage: req.body.hourly_wage,
store_id: req.body.location,
employee_number: req.body.employee_number
});
person.save(function (err) {
if (!err) {
return res.send(person);
} else {
console.log(err);
return res.send(404, { error: "Person was not created." });
}
});
return res.send(person);
}
// Return person by id
exports.personById = function (req, res){
return PersonModel.findById(req.params.id, function (err, person) {
if (!err) {
return res.send(person);
} else {
console.log(err);
return res.send(404, { error: "That person doesn't exist." });
}
});
}
// Delete a person by id
exports.deletePerson = function (req, res){
return PersonModel.findById(req.params.id, function (err, person) {
return person.remove(function (err) {
if (!err) {
return res.send(person.id + " deleted");
} else {
console.log(err);
return res.send(404, { error: "Person was not deleted." });
}
});
});
}
// Update a person by id
exports.updatePerson = function(req, res){
return PersonModel.findById(req.params.id, function(err, p){
if(!p){
return res.send(err)
} else {
p.first_name = req.body.first_name;
p.last_name = req.body.last_name;
p.address.unit = req.body.address.unit;
p.address.address = req.body.address.address;
p.address.zipcode = req.body.address.zipcode;
p.address.city = req.body.address.city;
p.address.region = req.body.address.region;
p.address.country = req.body.address.country;
p.image = req.body.image;
p.job_title = req.body.job_title;
p.hourly_wage = req.body.hourly_wage;
p.store_id = req.body.location;
p.employee_number = req.body.employee_number;
p.save(function(err){
if(!err){
return res.send(p);
} else {
console.log(err);
return res.send(404, { error: "Person was not updated." });
}
});
}
});
}

I have taken another approach here. Not saying it is the best, but let me explain.
Each schema (and model) is in its own file (module)
Each group of routes for a particular REST resource are in their own file (module)
Each route module just requires the Mongoose model it needs (only 1)
The main file (application entry point) just requires all route modules to register them.
The Mongo connection is in the root file and is passed as parameter to whatever needs it.
I have two subfolders under my app root - routes and schemas.
The benefits of this approach are:
You only write the schema once.
You do not pollute your main app file with route registrations for 4-5 routes per REST resource (CRUD)
You only define the DB connection once
Here is how a particular schema file looks:
File: /schemas/theaterSchema.js
module.exports = function(db) {
return db.model('Theater', TheaterSchema());
}
function TheaterSchema () {
var Schema = require('mongoose').Schema;
return new Schema({
title: { type: String, required: true },
description: { type: String, required: true },
address: { type: String, required: true },
latitude: { type: Number, required: false },
longitude: { type: Number, required: false },
phone: { type: String, required: false }
});
}
Here is how a collection of routes for a particular resource looks:
File: /routes/theaters.js
module.exports = function (app, options) {
var mongoose = options.mongoose;
var Schema = options.mongoose.Schema;
var db = options.db;
var TheaterModel = require('../schemas/theaterSchema')(db);
app.get('/api/theaters', function (req, res) {
var qSkip = req.query.skip;
var qTake = req.query.take;
var qSort = req.query.sort;
var qFilter = req.query.filter;
return TheaterModel.find().sort(qSort).skip(qSkip).limit(qTake)
.exec(function (err, theaters) {
// more code
});
});
app.post('/api/theaters', function (req, res) {
var theater;
theater.save(function (err) {
// more code
});
return res.send(theater);
});
app.get('/api/theaters/:id', function (req, res) {
return TheaterModel.findById(req.params.id, function (err, theater) {
// more code
});
});
app.put('/api/theaters/:id', function (req, res) {
return TheaterModel.findById(req.params.id, function (err, theater) {
// more code
});
});
app.delete('/api/theaters/:id', function (req, res) {
return TheaterModel.findById(req.params.id, function (err, theater) {
return theater.remove(function (err) {
// more code
});
});
});
};
And here is the root application file, which initialized the connection and registers all routes:
File: app.js
var application_root = __dirname,
express = require('express'),
path = require('path'),
mongoose = require('mongoose'),
http = require('http');
var app = express();
var dbProduction = mongoose.createConnection('mongodb://here_insert_the_mongo_connection_string');
app.configure(function () {
app.use(express.bodyParser());
app.use(express.methodOverride());
app.use(app.router);
app.use(express.static(path.join(application_root, "public")));
app.use('/images/tmb', express.static(path.join(application_root, "images/tmb")));
app.use('/images/plays', express.static(path.join(application_root, "images/plays")));
app.use(express.errorHandler({ dumpExceptions: true, showStack: true }));
});
app.get('/api', function (req, res) {
res.send('API is running');
});
var theatersApi = require('./routes/theaters')(app, { 'mongoose': mongoose, 'db': dbProduction });
// more code
app.listen(4242);
Hope this was helpful.

I found this StackOverflow post very helpful:
File Structure of Mongoose & NodeJS Project
The trick is to put your schema into models directory. Then, in any route, you can require('../models').whatever.
Also, I generally start the mongoose db connection in app.js, and only start the Express server once the connection is up:
mongoose.connect('mongodb://localhost/whateverdb')
mongoose.connection.on('error', function(err) {
console.log("Error while connecting to MongoDB: " + err);
process.exit();
});
mongoose.connection.on('connected', function(err) {
console.log('mongoose is now connected');
// start app here
http.createServer(app).listen(app.get('port'), function(){
console.log('Express server listening on port ' + app.get('port'));
});
});

I'd take a look at this project https://github.com/madhums/node-express-mongoose-demo . It is a great example on how to build a nodejs application in a standard way.