Back in 1980, if I told you that you could do computer programming without writing a bunch of complex code, you’d probably think I was crazy. But guess what? It’s 2024 now, and there’s this cool thing called the low-code/no-code revolution happening. It’s time for all of us to get on board with it.
Today, let’s talk about a specific low-code platform called Node-RED. It’s changing the way we program things for the Internet of Things (IoT). Many IoT projects struggle and don’t succeed. That’s why it’s crucial to quickly create working prototypes while keeping costs as low as possible. This is where Node-RED dashboards come in handy.
These dashboards help us make a basic version of our idea to see if it works and if it makes financial sense. A minimally viable product is what this is called (MVP). Using low-code development, like with Node-RED, is a key solution to get IoT projects up and running fast. And the cool thing is, with the stability of current low-code solutions, like Node-RED, these projects often end up being used in real-life situations because they’re efficient, reliable, and easy to maintain.
What is Node-Red?
Node-RED is a robust tool designed for industrial low-code IoT development. Initially created by IBM for Internet of Things (IoT) applications, it has gained numerous active contributors over time. The platform features a web-based flow editor that simplifies the creation of JavaScript functions. With hundreds of maintained Node-RED nodes available today, developers can easily leverage them for new projects.
Node-RED’s strength lies in its user-friendly interface, allowing seamless connection and configuration of different processing nodes. This makes it accessible for any developer to start using Node-RED right away. Functional blocks can be written and extended with JavaScript, making customization straightforward. Node-RED is versatile, running efficiently on various platforms, including small-arm CPU devices like Raspberry Pi and full x86 machines.
The fundamental components of Node-RED are its flows. In the example provided, there’s a Node-RED Modbus flow that collects electricity data (voltage, current, power) from a Modbus device. The flow involves querying the Modbus device for specific coil values and then pulling the measurement values. Subsequently, these values are sent to a cloud backend using the Node-RED MQTT flow node named “power.” Sending data through MQTT is simplified by defining the Node-RED MQTT block. Each function block within Node-RED can include calculations, logic, or any other essential function for the system.
The Advantages of Industrial Low-Code IoT Development with Node-RED
Node-RED brings several advantages to industrial low-code IoT development. Traditionally, IoT applications were built using languages like C or C++, resulting in efficient but time-consuming development. Node-RED simplifies this process with a repository of ready-made functional blocks, many of which are created by hardware vendors for immediate integration into the low-code environment.
The real strength of low-code emerges when connecting these functional blocks. NodeRED’s graphical interface allows for the easy creation of multiple connections, branching pipelines, function evaluations, and debug outputs or inputs. This not only facilitates rapid design but also provides quick feedback on whether the blocks function as intended. With a user-friendly development environment accessible through any browser, NodeRED becomes a powerful tool for industrial IoT development.
The platform is easy to learn, requiring only basic knowledge of Javascript, and it supports development across various browsers. This combination of convenience, extensive functionalities, and connectivity options establishes NodeRED as a robust choice for industrial IoT development.
Node-Red Installation
1. Finding the Right Instructions:
- Think of Node-RED as a special tool you need to install on your computer or device, like downloading a new app.
- To get the exact instructions for your setup (whether it’s a PC, Mac, Raspberry Pi, or other device), head over to the “Getting Started” page on the NodeRED website. It’ll act as your guide.
2. Getting Node-RED Up and Running:
Once you’ve followed the instructions and installed NodeRED, it’s time to fire it up!
- For PCs and Macs:
- Open up the “terminal” or “command prompt” app (it’s like a special text-based window where you can type commands).
- Type in exactly this: node-RED, and press Enter. That’s the magic command to start Node-RED.
- For other devices:
- Check the specific instructions from the “Getting Started” page, as the steps might vary.
3. Opening the Node-RED Dashboard:
- With Node-RED running smoothly, it’s time to open its control panel.
- Enter this address in your web browser (such as Chrome, Firefox, or Edge): at https://localhost:1880
- This will take you to NodeRED’s visual interface, where you can start building and connecting things. It’s like the steering wheel of your NodeRED experience!
Node-RED Cheat Sheet Overview
This cheat sheet supplies a quick reference for identifying tools and components in the NodeRED graphical user interface (GUI). It’s a map to help you navigate and understand the essentials.
Source: Cisco Blogs
Creating a Simple “Hello, World” Program using Node-RED Components
Step 1: Add an Inject Node
- Drag the Inject Node from the left-side palette to the workspace.
- Double-click to edit properties, set a custom name, and understand its role in triggering the flow.
- The Inject Node injects messages, initiating the flow in our example to produce output.
Step 2: Add HTTP Request Node
- Add an HTTP Request Node next to the Inject Node using the search filter in the palette.
- Double-click to configure the node, providing the URL https://www.boredapi.com/api/activity/ in the URL section. This API suggests random activities when you’re bored.
Step 4: Add Debug Node
- Drag and drop the Debug Node into the workspace from the palette.
- The Debug Node serves as a print functional block for our “Hello, World” exercise.
- Explore its properties and description in the Information sidebar pane.
Step 5: Wire the Nodes Together
- Connect the Inject, HTTP Request, and Debug nodes by dragging from the output port of one to the input port of another.
- First, connect the Inject output to HTTP’s input, then connect HTTP’s output to Debug’s input.
Step 6: Deploy
- To deploy every node to the server, click the Deploy button located in the upper right corner.
- Navigate to the Debug tab on the right-hand side of the workspace.
- Click the Inject button of the Inject Node.
Congratulations! You’ve successfully created your first NodeRED flow. Check the Debug window for the message payload with the API response.
Final Say
Node-RED stands out as a compelling choice for several reasons. Its intuitive graphical interface simplifies the development process, allowing users to create sophisticated applications with ease. The visual representation of workflows through nodes and wires makes it accessible even for those with limited coding experience.
NodeRED’s versatility shines, particularly in the domain of the Internet of Things (IoT). The platform streamlines the creation of IoT applications by providing a seamless integration of nodes tailored for IoT services and devices. This proves invaluable in rapidly prototyping ideas, minimizing costs, and swiftly assessing project viability.
The simplicity of NodeRED doesn’t compromise functionality. With just a few nodes, we demonstrated how to make an API request and display the output— a testament to the platform’s efficiency and user-friendly design.
FAQs on Node-Red
1. Is Node-Red secure?
NodeRed takes security seriously, providing authentication and authorization mechanisms to control access to your flows. However, the security of your application ultimately depends on the nodes you use and your deployment environment.
2. Can I learn Node-Red quickly?
Absolutely! The visual interface and extensive documentation make NodeRed easily accessible even for beginners. Numerous online tutorials and courses can further accelerate your learning curve.
3. What are some limitations of Node-Red?
While powerful, NodeRed may not be the best choice for highly complex applications requiring intricate logic or custom algorithms. Additionally, debugging flows can be challenging for large and intricate projects.
