Using Node-RED

Node-RED is the open-source runtime FlowFuse runs, governs and scales. This section provides reference documentation for working with Node-RED itself: connecting it to databases, communication protocols, hardware and notification services, and understanding what each core node does.

It is here to answer a question you already have. It is not a path into FlowFuse, and it does not need to be read in order. If you are setting FlowFuse up, start with Using FlowFuse instead.

The Node-RED project's own documentation is the primary source. Installing Node-RED, the editor, the message model, writing functions and the API reference all live at nodered.org/docs. This section covers the ground that documentation does not: per-node reference on the web, and connecting Node-RED to specific databases, protocols, hardware and services.

Getting started

Installing Node-RED, finding your way around the editor, and the basics of shaping a message. Getting started

Core nodes

Reference documentation for each node in the default Node-RED palette, with a worked reason to reach for it. Core nodes

Communication protocols

Modbus, OPC UA, MQTT, AMQP, WebSocket and LwM2M, for connecting Node-RED to controllers and edge equipment. Communication protocols

Databases

Reading and writing SQL, NoSQL and time-series databases with Node-RED, one guide per database. Databases

Integration technologies

Webhooks, REST APIs and GraphQL, for connecting Node-RED to the rest of your systems. Integration technologies

Notification services

Sending alerts from Node-RED by email, Telegram and Discord. Notification services

Hardware

Running Node-RED on a Raspberry Pi, a Siemens IoT2050, and other industrial gateways. Hardware

Peripheral devices

Webcams, barcode scanners and other devices connected to the machine Node-RED runs on. Peripheral devices

Reference

Terminology for the words used in Node-RED documentation, and keyboard shortcuts for the editor.

Running Node-RED for an organisation? Access control, version history, deployment across environments and remote instance management are what FlowFuse adds on top. See Using FlowFuse.