Ever wanted to program your devices or automate tasks but coding seems scary?
Node-RED is a perfect solution for you! It’s a beginner-friendly visual programming tool. Instead of writing lines of code, you use drag-and-drop pre-built functions, called nodes, to connect and build flows. These flows can control anything from turning on lights to reacting to sensor data. With Node-RED, you can bring your ideas to life without needing a programming background.
There are a few ways to install Node-RED, depending on your operating system
- Generally: You’ll need to have Node.js installed first, as Node-RED runs on top of it.
- Recommended: The most common way is to use the
npmpackage manager that comes with Node.js. This installs Node-RED globally and lets you run it from anywhere on your computer.
For specific instructions, you can refer to the official Node-RED getting started guide which has detailed instructions for different operating systems including Windows, macOS and Linux. You can find it by searching for “Node-RED getting started guide”.
Prerequisites:
- Node.js: As mentioned earlier, Node-RED runs on Node.js. Make sure you have the latest version installed. You can download and install it from the official Node.js website (https://nodejs.org/en).
Installation Methods:
1.Using npm: This is the recommended approach for most users. Open a terminal window and run the following command:
sudo npm install -g --unsafe-perm node-redExplanation:
sudo: Grants administrative privileges for the installation (might require your password).npm install: Tells npm to install a package.-g: Installs the package globally, allowing you to run it from anywhere.--unsafe-perm: By default, npm avoids installing packages that require unsafe permissions. This flag is necessary for Node-RED due to its access needs.
2.Using Docker: If you’re comfortable with Docker, you can run Node-RED in a container. This provides a more isolated environment. Search online for “Node-RED Docker installation” for specific instructions.
3.Using Snap Packages:On some Linux distributions, you can install Node-RED using the snap package manager. Open a terminal and run:
sudo snap install node-redRunning Node-RED:
Once installed, you can start the Node-RED editor by running:
node-redThis will launch the editor in your web browser, typically at http://localhost:1880.
Node-RED lets you program visually with pre-built functions (nodes) instead of writing code. Drag and drop nodes to build flows that can control devices or react to sensor data. Start by creating a simple “Hello World” flow with an inject node, a debug node, and connecting them. Explore tutorials and examples to learn more and build more complex automations.
