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Node-RED

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Overview

Node-RED is a low-code programming tool for building event-driven applications that collect, transform, and visualize data, as well as automate flows. It runs on Node.js and suits edge devices like Raspberry Pi, cloud environments, home automation, and industrial control systems for users from hobbyists to professionals.1

Key Features

  • Visual Flow Editor - Drag-and-drop interface to wire together nodes for creating data flows.
  • Node.js Integration - Leverages Node.js event-driven, non-blocking model for efficient processing.
  • Extensible Nodes - Over 5,000 community-contributed nodes and flows for quick integration.
  • Edge Computing Support - Runs on low-cost hardware like Raspberry Pi at the network edge.
  • Data Transformation - Nodes to collect, modify, and route data between sources and destinations.
  • Visualization Tools - Supports building dashboards and UIs for data display.
  • Configuration Management - Stores flows and user data in configurable directories and files.

Pricing

PlanPriceIncludes
Community EditionFreeFull core functionality, open-source, community support.

Platforms & Requirements

Node-RED runs on any platform supporting Node.js, including Linux, macOS, Windows, and ARM-based devices like Raspberry Pi, with no specific minimum requirements beyond Node.js installation. It performs well on low-cost hardware for edge use but may require additional nodes for full cloud scalability. Limitations are minimal, tied primarily to host Node.js version and available memory.136

Integrations & Ecosystem

  • MQTT
  • HTTP/HTTPS
  • TCP/UDP
  • Databases (via nodes)
  • Raspberry Pi GPIO
  • Over 5,000 community nodes
  • Node-RED flows import/export
  • API access via HTTP nodes

Alternatives

AppDifference
Home AssistantFull smart home platform with built-in UI, less focused on general low-code flows.
Apache NiFiEnterprise dataflow tool with stronger emphasis on big data processing.
HuginnAgent-based automation for web scraping and tasks, Ruby-based.
n8nWorkflow automation with more pre-built app integrations, self-hosted.

Reputation

Node-RED is regarded as accessible for low-code event-driven programming, praised for its visual editor, vast community nodes, and versatility from hobbyist to industrial use. Its active community and regular updates, like v4.1.8, indicate strong ongoing support. Criticisms include limited built-in security and user management for production web apps, often requiring custom nodes or extensions.18

Sources (9)
  1. https://nodered.org
  2. https://flows.nodered.org/node/node-red-contrib-v8-cpu-profiler
  3. https://nodered.org/docs/user-guide/runtime/configuration
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i69aShuF0ss
  5. https://github.com/bartbutenaers/node-red-contrib-msg-profiler
  6. https://nodered.org/docs/getting-started/
  7. https://flowfuse.com/blog/2024/04/how-to-build-an-application-with-node-red-dashboard-2/
  8. https://discourse.nodered.org/t/develop-web-application-using-node-red/1827
  9. https://www.influxdata.com/blog/node-red-dashboard-tutorial/