Merge pull request #197 from alphagov/session

add session support

docs/README.md

@@ -24,3 +24,4 @@ Installation guide for developers (technical):
 - [Updating the kit to the latest version](updating-the-kit.md)
 - [Tips and tricks](tips-and-tricks.md)
 - [Creating routes (server-side programming)](creating-routes.md)
+- [Storing data in session](session.md)

docs/session.md

@@ -0,0 +1,23 @@
+# Storing data in session
+
+**Advanced topic**
+
+If you need to store data for each user, the best way to do it is using session data.
+
+This means that if more than one person is using your prototype, their data will not get mixed up.
+
+The easiest way to clear session data is to use 'Incognito mode' for each user, and close that window when you're done.
+
+## How to use
+
+In a route function, refer to `req.session`.
+
+For example you might have `req.session.over18` or `req.session.firstName`.
+
+You can see a full example here:
+
+[https://github.com/expressjs/session#example](https://github.com/expressjs/session#example)
+
+You can read more about Express Session here:
+
+[https://github.com/expressjs/session](https://github.com/expressjs/session)

package.json

@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@
     "consolidate": "0.x",
     "express": "4.13.3",
     "express-nunjucks": "^0.9.3",
+    "express-session": "^1.13.0",
     "express-writer": "0.0.4",
     "govuk-elements-sass": "1.2.0",
     "govuk_frontend_toolkit": "^4.12.0",

server.js

@@ -1,12 +1,13 @@
 var path = require('path'),
     express = require('express'),
-    browserSync = require('browser-sync'),
+    session = require('express-session'),
     nunjucks = require('express-nunjucks'),
     routes = require(__dirname + '/app/routes.js'),
     favicon = require('serve-favicon'),
     app = express(),
     basicAuth = require('basic-auth'),
     bodyParser = require('body-parser'),
+    browserSync = require('browser-sync'),
     config = require(__dirname + '/app/config.js'),
     port = (process.env.PORT || config.port),
     utils = require(__dirname + '/lib/utils.js'),
@@ -66,6 +67,13 @@ app.use(bodyParser.urlencoded({
   extended: true
 }));
 
+// Support session data
+app.use(session({
+  resave: false,
+  saveUninitialized: false,
+  secret: Math.round(Math.random()*100000).toString()
+}));
+
 // send assetPath to all views
 app.use(function (req, res, next) {
   res.locals.asset_path="/public/";