import { Db } from "mongodb";
/**
 * Initializes the database connection. This should be called once at startup.
 * @param connectionString The MongoDB connection string.
 */
export declare function initializeDatabase(connectionString: string): void;
/**
 * The new central point for accessing the database.
 * It lazily connects on the first call and returns the Db object.
 * @returns A promise that resolves to the Db instance.
 */
export declare function getDb(): Promise<Db>;
/**
 * Disconnects from the database if a connection was established.
 */
export declare function disconnectFromDatabase(): Promise<void>;