Apache-2.0
Node-RED
Flow-based automation for wiring APIs and devices
An open-source flow-based programming tool for wiring together devices, APIs, and online services.
In depth
What it is
Node-RED is an open-source flow-based programming tool for wiring together devices, APIs, and online services.
Key features
- Flow editor - Browser-based flow editor with node wiring.
- Protocol nodes - Nodes for common IoT and messaging protocols.
- Function nodes - Inline JavaScript for custom transforms and logic.
- Self-hosting - Lightweight runtime for edge or server deployments.
Strengths
- Flow editor - Browser-based flow editor with node wiring.
- Protocol nodes - Nodes for common IoT and messaging protocols.
- Function nodes - Inline JavaScript for custom transforms and logic.
Trade-offs
- Maintainability - Large flows can become hard to test and review.
- Governance - Role separation and promotion workflows are limited by default.
- Operations - Self-hosting adds upgrades, backups, and monitoring.
Pricing
Open-source software. Direct license cost is zero; costs are typically infrastructure, operations, and optional paid support or hosting.
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