What is Node-RED and how does it work?

Node-RED is a low-code programming environment that allows developers to connect a wide variety of endpoints, such as industrial PLCs, APIs, databases, enterprise applications and online services. Users of Node-RED visually drag ‘nodes’ from a palette that represent the end points and then connect them together into flows to accomplish the desired task. Node-RED applications are accessible via a web browser.

Node-RED is popular among IoT and individuals creating DIY home automation systems. However, Node-RED is mostly being used in professional use cases in a variety of industries. Apart from software engineers, Node-RED’s graphical approach to unlocking and effectively using data has empowered industrial engineers or non developers to apply their domain knowledge easily and accelerate projects.

Which industrial sectors use Node-RED in production environments?

Yes, Node-RED is widely used in real-world production environments across industries like manufacturing, energy, smart buildings, and more. While Node-RED provides a powerful low-code runtime, FlowFuse makes it easier and safer to use in professional settings. Many companies are already using FlowFuse to run Node-RED in production. FlowFuse adds everything needed to manage and scale Node-RED reliably, including user access control, version control for flows, automated deployments, remote device management, and secure team collaboration. This gives organizations the confidence to build and maintain robust industrial applications using Node-RED.

How do I deploy Node-RED online or in the Cloud?

[FlowFuse Cloud](https://app.flowfuse.com/account/create/) is a hosted Node-RED service that developers can use to access Node-RED online. This makes it much quicker to get started using Node-RED since you don’t need to install it locally.

What is Node-RED used for?

Node-RED can be used for a wide variety of use cases, including: - The [manufacturing industry](/use-cases/it-ot-middleware/) uses Node-RED for collecting data from different pieces of factory equipment. - Creating dashboards that visualize data and allow for event triggers to occur based on the data. - Developing chatbot platforms that can collect interactions of a wide variety of social media platforms. - Extract, transform and integrate data from many different sources in the enterprise. - Lots of hobbyists use Node-RED for home automation. - Integrating data with machine learning models

How much does Node-RED cost?

Node-RED is an open source project hosted at the [OpenJS Foundation](https://openjsf.org/). It is made available under the Apache Software License so individuals can use Node-RED free of charge. Participation in the open source project is encouraged to help support the Node-RED community.

What language is Node-RED?

Node-RED is a visual programming environment that allows you to do a lot without writing a single line of code. An important benefit of Node-RED is that it also allows for developers to write JavaScript and use the NodeJS API to extend the functionality of a node or flow.

How can I get started using Node-RED?

There are three routes. [FlowFuse Cloud](https://app.flowfuse.com/account/create/) needs no installation at all: sign up and you have a Node-RED editor straight away. To run Node-RED on your own machine, a [single command](/node-red/#install-node-red-from-your-terminal) installs Node-RED, sets it up as a service so it restarts on boot, and offers to import flows you already have on that machine. If you would rather install Node-RED by hand, the [Getting Started guide on nodered.org](https://nodered.org/docs/getting-started/) covers every platform.

What port number does Node-RED use?

Node-RED is accessed via port 1880. You can access the Node-RED editor running locally at http://localhost:1880 or on another computer at http://domain name:1880.

How can I secure a Node-RED installation?

There are three aspects of Node-RED that need to be secured. 1. Node-RED is a web application so you need to enable HTTPS access to the Node-RED runtime. The default Node-RED settings include a commented out section that can be used for local certificates. 2. The Node-RED editor and administration require authentication to access it. Node-RED supports username/password and OAuth/OpenID authentication. The adminAuth property in the setting file is used to specify the authentication credentials. 3. Securing the HTTP Node can be done using basic authentication. This can be set using the httpNodeAuth property in the settings file. You can also follow [our guide](/blog/2023/04/securing-node-red-in-production/) on how to secure Node-RED.

How is Node-RED used in IoT?

Node-RED is very popular in the manufacturing and industrial automation industries (IIoT) as an edge computing solution. Often deployed on PLCs and IoT gateways, Node-RED supports collecting data from legacy and proprietary systems (Siemens S7, Modbus, OPC-UA, etc), integrating the industrial data with other data sources (weather data, enterprise data), filtering data on the edge, and then sending the data to the cloud. FlowFuse offers remote device deployment to IIoT edge devices. Node-RED is also very popular with DIY home automation enthusiasts, in particular the [Home Assistant](https://community.home-assistant.io/t/home-assistant-community-add-on-node-red/55023/) community.

What is Node-RED?

Co-created by Nick O'Leary, CTO of FlowFuse, Node-RED is the low-code programming language of choice for industrial applications. Industrial engineers use Node-RED to collect, transform, and integrate data through visualized dashboards.

FlowFuse enhances Node-RED with enterprise features to accelerate digitalization and optimize industrial processes.

Ready to get started building with Node-RED? There are two ways in.

Try it out

Nothing to install, you get an editor in the browser. Or install Node-RED on your own machine with one command.

Try it out

Nothing to install, you get an editor in the browser. Or install Node-RED on your own machine with one command.

Or install Node-RED on your own machine

Linux and macOS

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://flowfuse.github.io/device-agent/get.sh)" && ./flowfuse-device-agent-installer

Windows (run elevated)

Set-Location $env:USERPROFILE; powershell -c "irm https://flowfuse.github.io/device-agent/get.ps1 | iex"; .\flowfuse-device-agent-installer.exe

Installing with npm or Docker instead? The installation docs cover every route.

One command installs Node.js, Node-RED and the FlowFuse Device Agent, sets it up as a service so it restarts on boot, and opens your browser to connect it. It creates a FlowFuse account for you if you do not have one. If the machine already runs Node-RED, it offers to import those flows.

Harness the Power of Low-Code Integration

Flow Based Programming

Node-RED’s visual programming makes it easy for non-developers to build robust applications.

Digital Services Integration

Node-RED facilitates seamless integration with a wide array of digital services, including protocols (OPC-UA, Modbus, Siemens S7), databases, APIs, and devices. Browse the full integrations catalog.

Data Visualization

Node-RED Dashboard makes it easy to visualize your data in charts that integrate directly with actions and events that respond to the data.

Explore Real-World Node-RED Applications from FlowFuse Customers

See more customer stories

Why Choose FlowFuse for Node-RED

Enhanced Security

Security and compliance guardrails ensure adherence to security protocols.

Seamless Collaboration

Cloud-based solutions and dev-ops pipelines streamline development with user-friendly interfaces and safeguard against errors.

Scalable Architecture

Start small and scale to thousands of self–built and self–maintained applications. Reduce reliance on point solutions and vendor lock-in.

Expert Support

Get access to our dedicated support team who are creators and experts in Node-RED, ready to assist you at every step.

FlowFuse Certified

Nodes certified for production

The Node-RED library is enormous, and a README cannot tell you whether a package is still maintained, whether it is secure, or whether anyone will answer when it breaks. FlowFuse certifies a set of nodes against those questions: each one has a named owner accountable for it, is vetted for reliability, security and current documentation, and is patched by FlowFuse after release.

BROWSE CERTIFIED NODES

Node-RED Learning Resources

Jumpstart your Node-RED journey with FlowFuse’s comprehensive learning resources, including tutorials, case studies, and community forums. Whether you’re new to Node-RED or looking to refine your skills, our resources are designed to accelerate your learning curve.

Node-RED Academy|Core Nodes|Variables|Quick Tips

SEE MORE GET IMPLEMENTATION SUPPORT

Flexible Deployment with FlowFuse

FlowFuse Cloud

Get started with Node-RED easily! No installation needed – just sign up for instant editor access.

MORE INFO

On your own machine

One command installs Node-RED, keeps it running as a service, and connects it to FlowFuse. It imports flows you already have.

INSTALL NODE-RED

Self managed

Run FlowFuse where you prefer; that's possible too! In your cloud of preference, or even on-site.

Book a Demo

What is Node-RED?

Or install Node-RED on your own machine