Node-RED is an open-source visual programming tool used for wiring together hardware devices, APIs, and online services. It provides a browser-based flow editor that allows users to create flows by wiring together nodes to perform tasks such as data collection, processing, and integration. Key features of Node-RED include: 1. **Visual Flow Editor:** Node-RED offers a graphical interface for creating and editing flows. Users can drag and drop nodes onto a canvas and connect them to define the flow of data and events. 2. **Node Library:** Node-RED comes with a built-in library of nodes that provide various functionalities, including nodes for interacting with hardware devices (such as sensors and actuators), accessing APIs (such as weather services and social media platforms), processing data, and more. 3. **Easy Integration:** Node-RED makes it easy to integrate different systems and services without writing extensive code. Users can connect to a wide range of devices and services using pre-built nodes or by creating custom nodes using JavaScript. 4. **Flow-based Programming:** Node-RED is based on the concept of flow-based programming, where applications are built by connecting reusable components (nodes) together to create a flow of data. This approach makes it easy to design and modify complex systems by breaking them down into smaller, modular components. 5. **Extensibility:** Node-RED can be extended with additional nodes and modules to add new functionalities or integrate with specific devices and services. The Node-RED community contributes a wide range of nodes and modules that users can install and use in their projects. 6. **Real-time Monitoring and Debugging:** Node-RED provides tools for monitoring and debugging flows in real-time, allowing users to track the flow of data and troubleshoot issues as they occur. Node-RED is commonly used in IoT (Internet of Things) projects, home automation, data integration, and prototyping applications. Its intuitive visual interface and extensibility make it a popular choice for developers and hobbyists who want to quickly build and deploy applications that interact with multiple devices and services. ![[Screenshot 2024-03-12 150148.png]]