title: How do I set up different node.js environments with different mongo databases?
body: <p>I want to use a local mongo server in development and then switch to a mongolab db in production. What is the recommended way to do this in a node.js express app? All I know is that NODE_ENV exists but not sure on the best way to switch the database based on its value. Having:</p>
  
  <pre><code>if (process.env.NODE_ENV == "production") 
  {
    //
  }
  else if ((process.env.NODE_ENV == "development") 
  {
  
  }
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>All over the place where I query the db doesn't seem very elegant. Is there a way to do it similar to a rail app where you specify you adapter for production and development?</p>