nodered.org Reviews

Node-RED is a visual tool for wiring together hardware devices, APIs, and online services. It provides a browser-based editor that allows users to create flows using a wide range of nodes. These flows can be deployed to its runtime with a single click. Node-RED is built on Node.js, making it suitable for running at the edge of the network on low-cost hardware like the Raspberry Pi, as well as in the cloud. It has a large community and a library for sharing flows. The project is part of the OpenJS Foundation and is open source.

Key Features:

1. Visual Flow-Based Programming: Node-RED uses a visual programming approach, where users can drag and drop nodes onto a canvas and connect them to create flows.
2. Browser-Based Editor: The tool is accessed through a web browser, allowing for easy access and collaboration.
3. Extensibility: Node-RED’s palette of nodes can be extended with additional nodes created by the community, allowing for a wide range of integrations.
4. Node.js Runtime: The runtime for Node-RED is built on Node.js, leveraging its event-driven, non-blocking model.
5. Flow Library: Users can share their flows with others through an online flow library.
6. JSON-Based Flows: Flows in Node-RED are stored as JSON, making them easy to import, export, and share.
7. IoT and Edge Computing: Node-RED is well-suited for IoT and edge computing applications, where it can be used to orchestrate interactions between devices and services.

Node-RED’s flow-based programming model is inspired by the work of J. Paul Morrison in the 1970s. It allows for a visual representation of application behavior, making it accessible to a wide range of users. The project was initially developed by IBM’s Emerging Technology Services team and later became part of the OpenJS Foundation.

The name “Node-RED” is a play on words, sounding like “code red.” The “node” part reflects the flow/node programming model, while the “red” part is a nod to the underlying Node.js runtime. The project has a rich history and has been developed in the open since its open-sourcing in 2013.

Node-RED is widely used in the IoT and edge computing communities, and its visual, low-code approach makes it popular for rapid prototyping and development of event-driven applications. It has a vibrant community and is actively maintained and developed by contributors from around the world.”

the reasons behind this review :
Visual Flow-Based Programming, Browser-Based Editor, Extensibility, Node.js Runtime, Flow Library, JSON-Based Flows, IoT and Edge Computing, History and Development, Community and Maintenance