Nodes
A node is an instance of a component in your flow. While a component defines functionality, a node represents a specific use of that component with its own configuration and connections.
Node vs Component
Section titled “Node vs Component”- Component: A reusable template (e.g., “RSI Indicator”)
- Node: A specific instance in your flow (e.g., “RSI for Bitcoin with period 14”)
You can use the same component multiple times in a flow, each as a separate node with different configurations.
Node Properties
Section titled “Node Properties”Each node has a unique identifier used to reference it in the flow.
The component type this node is an instance of (e.g., “binance.ticker”, “indicator.rsi”).
Configuration
Section titled “Configuration”The specific settings for this node instance:
{
"symbol": "BTCUSDT",
"interval": "1m",
"period": 14
}Position
Section titled “Position”The node’s location on the canvas (x, y coordinates).
The current execution state of the node:
- Idle: Not processing data
- Ready: Initialized and waiting for input
- Running: Actively processing data
- Paused: Temporarily stopped
- Failed: Encountered an error
- Completed: Finished processing
Node Handles
Section titled “Node Handles”Input Handles
Section titled “Input Handles”Input handles (left side of node) receive data from other nodes:
- Each input handle corresponds to a component input
- Can only have one incoming edge per handle
- Must match the expected data type
Output Handles
Section titled “Output Handles”Output handles (right side of node) send data to other nodes:
- Each output handle corresponds to a component output
- Can have multiple outgoing edges
- Data is broadcast to all connected nodes
Node Interactions
Section titled “Node Interactions”Selecting Nodes
Section titled “Selecting Nodes”Click on a node to select it and view its properties.
Moving Nodes
Section titled “Moving Nodes”Drag nodes to reposition them on the canvas.
Configuring Nodes
Section titled “Configuring Nodes”Double-click or click the settings icon to open the configuration panel.
Deleting Nodes
Section titled “Deleting Nodes”Select a node and press Delete or click the delete icon.
Copying Nodes
Section titled “Copying Nodes”Select a node and press Cmd+C (Mac) or Ctrl+C (Windows), then paste with Cmd+V or Ctrl+V.
Node States
Section titled “Node States”Initialization
Section titled “Initialization”When a flow starts:
- All nodes transition to “Initializing”
- Configuration is validated
- Resources are allocated
- Nodes move to “Ready” state
Execution
Section titled “Execution”During flow execution:
- Nodes wait for input data
- When data arrives, state changes to “Running”
- Node processes the data
- Outputs are produced
- Node returns to “Ready” state
Error Handling
Section titled “Error Handling”If a node encounters an error:
- State changes to “Failed”
- Error message is logged
- Downstream nodes may be affected
- Flow may pause or stop depending on configuration
Node Metadata
Section titled “Node Metadata”Each node can store metadata:
- Execution count: Number of times processed
- Last execution: Timestamp of last execution
- Average duration: Average processing time
- Error count: Number of errors encountered
Visual Indicators
Section titled “Visual Indicators”Nodes display visual indicators for their state:
- Green border: Running successfully
- Yellow border: Warning or paused
- Red border: Error or failed
- Gray border: Idle or not started
- Pulsing: Currently processing data
Node Groups
Section titled “Node Groups”You can group related nodes together:
- Select multiple nodes
- Right-click and choose “Group”
- Give the group a name
- Collapse/expand the group as needed
Groups help organize complex flows.
Best Practices
Section titled “Best Practices”Naming Nodes
Section titled “Naming Nodes”Give nodes descriptive names that explain their purpose:
- ❌ “RSI 1”
- ✅ “RSI for Bitcoin (14 period)“
Organizing Layout
Section titled “Organizing Layout”Arrange nodes in a logical flow from left to right:
[Data Source] → [Processing] → [Decision] → [Action]Using Colors
Section titled “Using Colors”Use node colors to categorize by function:
- Blue: Data sources
- Green: Processing
- Yellow: Decisions
- Red: Actions
Monitoring State
Section titled “Monitoring State”Keep an eye on node states during execution to identify bottlenecks or errors.
Resource Management
Section titled “Resource Management”Be mindful of resource-intensive nodes (e.g., those making API calls) and limit their frequency.
Advanced Features
Section titled “Advanced Features”Parallel Nodes
Section titled “Parallel Nodes”Some nodes can process data in parallel for improved performance.
Stateful Nodes
Section titled “Stateful Nodes”Some nodes maintain state between executions (e.g., accumulators, counters).
Dynamic Configuration
Section titled “Dynamic Configuration”Some nodes support dynamic configuration based on runtime data.
Debugging Nodes
Section titled “Debugging Nodes”Viewing Node Data
Section titled “Viewing Node Data”Click on a node during execution to see:
- Current input values
- Current output values
- Internal state
- Execution logs
Breakpoints
Section titled “Breakpoints”Set breakpoints on nodes to pause execution and inspect data.
Step Execution
Section titled “Step Execution”Step through your flow node by node to debug issues.