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Architecture

Overview​

Node-RED 4.0.3 is a flow-based programming tool for wiring together hardware devices, APIs, and online services. It provides a browser-based editor that makes it easy to wire together flows using the wide range of nodes in the palette.

Core Components​

Runtime Engine​

  • Node.js Runtime: Built on Node.js, providing asynchronous, event-driven architecture

  • Flow Engine: Executes flows created in the editor

  • Message Passing: JSON-based message passing between nodes

  • Context Storage: Provides persistent storage for flow, node, and global contexts

Editor Interface​

  • Web-based Editor: Browser-based flow editor accessible via HTTP/HTTPS

  • Node Palette: Drag-and-drop interface for available nodes

  • Workspace: Visual canvas for creating flows

  • Configuration Panel: Node property configuration interface

Node Types​

  • Input Nodes: Receive data from external sources

  • Processing Nodes: Transform and manipulate data

  • Output Nodes: Send data to external destinations

  • Function Nodes: Custom JavaScript code execution

System Architecture​

┌─────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐ ┌─────────────────┐ │ Web Browser │ │ Load Balancer │ │ Node-RED │ │ (Editor UI) │◄──►│ (Optional) │◄──►│ Runtime │ └─────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘ └─────────────────┘ │ ▼ ┌─────────────────┐ │ File System │ │ (Flows/Data) │ └─────────────────┘

Deployment Patterns​

Standalone Deployment​

  • Single Node-RED instance

  • Suitable for development and small-scale deployments

  • Direct file system storage

Clustered Deployment​

  • Multiple Node-RED instances behind load balancer

  • Shared storage for flows and context

  • High availability and scalability

Container Deployment​

  • Docker containers for consistent deployment

  • Kubernetes orchestration support

  • Microservices architecture integration