Node-RED: What are Node-RED nodes

This documentation is part of the Introduction guide. You can view the complete guide here: Introduction to Node-RED, everything you need to know about it.

Welcome to the Stackhero documentation

Stackhero offers a fully managed Node-RED cloud environment designed to help you build workflows quickly:

• Integrated MQTT server (Mosquitto) for seamless IoT integration.
• Full access to the Node-RED admin interface for managing your flows and settings.
• Node-RED Dashboard included for real-time visualisation.
• Dedicated SMTP email server included, with no sending limits.
• Effortless one-click updates to keep your instance up to date.
• Custom domain names with automatic HTTPS: for example, https://node-red.your-company.com.
• High performance and enhanced security thanks to private, dedicated infrastructure.

You can have a secure, production-ready Node-RED cloud hosting instance running in around 5 minutes. Stackhero takes care of installation, updates, and infrastructure, so you can focus on building your automations.

In Node-RED, a "node" refers to a block that can receive, transform, and transmit data.

This data can flow between nodes, external APIs (such as Google, Stripe, Twitter, etc.), databases (like MySQL, MongoDB, Elasticsearch, OpenSearch, etc.), or other systems (including MQTT, email servers, object storage, and more).

Nodes are interconnected using wires, visually arranged within the browser interface.

Node-RED includes approximately 40 pre-installed nodes. Some are basic, like Switch conditions. Others facilitate external connections, like HTTP, MQTT, or Email nodes. Some nodes, such as Function and Template, can encompass complex code or be used to craft advanced text documents or HTML pages.

With the Node-RED "palette," you have the option to add external nodes crafted by global companies or users. Nearly 4,000 external nodes are available, all free of charge!

Node-RED nodes example