How can I export a variable from one file and require() the exported variable on another file?

Question

my folder structure :

collegesapp --

             |-- node_modules -- express
             |                -- connect
             |                -- jade
             |                -- passport
             |-- routes -- routes.js
             |-- views   -- index.jade
             |           -- signin.jade
             |-- app.js
             |-- package.json

exports.serialized_user = "Alex"; //in app.js file

var serialized_user = require('../app.js').serialized_user; //in routes.js file

So, when I add console.log(serialized_user ) to my routes.js file and run the application, I end up having seeing undefined in console instead of "Alex". What do you think is my problem?

Answer 1

in app.js file, use

module.exports.serialized_user = "Alex";

or

module.exports={serialized_user: "Alex"};

instead of

exports.serialized_user = "Alex";