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Last Updated: 07-25-2026 04:48 PM (UTC)

Node-RED

Wire nodes together in a browser, deploy in one click, and real-time data flows from sources through transformations to outputs: Node-RED is the OpenJS Foundation's flow-based programming tool for event-driven applications. Born at IBM as a proof-of-concept for manipulating MQTT topic mappings, it has become the lingua franca of IoT and automation glue - home automation, industrial control, edge data collection - with a community library of over 5,000 contributed nodes and flows covering protocols, devices, and services. Where visual wiring runs out, JavaScript function nodes written in a rich in-editor code editor take over, and every flow serializes to importable, exportable JSON that shares cleanly and version-controls sensibly. Version 5.0 (2026) delivered the largest editor overhaul in the project's history: a rethought layout with Explorer and Information panels in a split sidebar, a native dark theme with theme variants, improved accessibility, and refreshed node appearance. The runtime is lightweight Node.js, exploiting the event-driven non-blocking model so the same flows run on a Raspberry Pi at the network edge or a cloud VM. Apache-2.0 licensed with 240+ contributors, it pairs naturally with dashboard nodes for live charts and controls.

Node-RED

Benefits

  • Automation Anyone Can Read
  • Flows are visible logic - engineers, operators, and hobbyists all see what happens to data without parsing code.
  • 5,000+ Building Blocks Ready
  • The community library covers MQTT, Modbus, HTTP, databases, messaging apps, and hardware, so most integrations are a palette install away.
  • Edge to Cloud, Same Flows
  • The lightweight Node.js runtime runs identically on a Raspberry Pi beside the sensors and on a cloud server beside the databases.
  • Escape Hatches Everywhere
  • JavaScript function nodes handle whatever visual wiring can't, and JSON flow export keeps everything portable and diffable.

Features

  • Browser-Based Flow Editor
  • Drag, wire, and deploy in one click; version 5.0 adds a split sidebar, Explorer panel, and native dark theme.
  • Massive Node Palette
  • Over 5,000 community nodes and flows installable from the built-in palette manager.
  • JavaScript Function Nodes
  • Full code editor in the browser for custom transformation and logic within flows.
  • JSON-Portable Flows
  • Flows import, export, and share as JSON; an online library hosts reusable examples.
  • Event-Driven Runtime
  • Non-blocking Node.js core sized for low-cost edge hardware and cloud alike.
  • Dashboard Integration
  • Companion dashboard nodes build live charts, gauges, and control panels from flows.