In this article, I’m going to introduce you to a NodeJS module that allows you to create and deploy server-side processes by using a visual, drag n drop style interface in your Web Browser. The module I’m referring to is called Node-RED: A flow-based programming tool that allows you to design processes (aka flows) by wiring together microservices.

In this article, I’m going to introduce you to a NodeJS module that allows you to create and deploy server-side processes by using a visual, drag n drop style interface in your Web Browser. The module I’m referring to is called Node-RED: A flow-based programming tool that allows you to design processes (aka flows) by wiring together microservices.

Created in 2013, Node-RED was initially intended for visually wiring together the Internet of Things, but as it matured, it evolved into something way more powerful, enough to be deployed as middleware within enterprise production environments. The power behind Node-RED is how it hides boilerplate code from the design interface, allowing you to quickly build and deploy processes and integrations.

To demonstrate this, I’m going to compare a simple Node App with a Node-RED Flow, which will show you the time saving to be had and why you should be excited to learn this tech:

Simple NodeJS Express App

The code below is for a simple Express application that outputs Hello World.

server.js

#javascript #node #nodejs #node-red