Node-RED is an open-source, flow-based programming tool that allows users to easily connect hardware devices, APIs, and online services. It provides a visual interface for creating flows by connecting nodes together in a logical sequence and defining their interactions. It was first developed by [[IBM]] and later open sourced to the global community. In the context of IoT (Internet of Things), Node-RED is often used as a powerful tool for building IoT applications. It simplifies the process of integrating and managing various IoT devices, sensors, and services. Node-RED supports a wide range of protocols commonly used in IoT, such as MQTT ([[Message Queuing Telemetry Transport]]) and [[HTTP]]. With Node-RED, developers can create complex IoT workflows without much coding knowledge. They can visually define the data flow between different nodes, perform data transformations or analysis, trigger actions based on sensor readings or events, and communicate with external systems or APIs. Node-RED also provides a rich ecosystem of pre-built nodes that cover a wide range of functionalities. These nodes can be easily added to the platform to extend its capabilities and integrate with various hardware platforms or cloud services. One of the significant advantages of using Node-RED for IoT is its flexibility and scalability. It allows users to rapidly prototype IoT solutions, iterate on them quickly, and easily scale them up as needed. The visual nature of Node-RED also facilitates collaboration between developers and non-technical stakeholders by providing a clear representation of the system's logic. Overall, Node-RED plays a crucial role in simplifying the development and deployment process for IoT applications by providing an intuitive visual programming interface and enabling seamless integration with various devices and services. # References ![[@realparsWhatNodeREDHow2022]]