Node-Red 5 Released | Hacker News Reader

Node-Red 5 Released

nodered.org

The latest version of Node-RED, Node-RED 5, has released! This release has some pretty big changes - a brand new UI, additional functionality inside of nodes, and new accessibility features. Also a zoom to fit function - meaning a way zoomed-in or zoomed-out workspace can now be centered with proper sizing, which is a godsend for people working across different monitor sizes.

Let me know what you think! I'm using it as my daily driver and I have to say - huge improvements all around!

I like node and have used it previously with home.assistant. However I pulled back from using it as hA's own automations got better. Node's big weakness is a lack of visibility into what happened. There is no easy debugging flow to see what happened or how, whereas ha shows you everything. The friction of poor debugging makes ha system superior even if it is a little "weaker" .

- very stupid question and someone please eli 5

- what exactly do i need node red for?

Workflows that require flow logic.

I use NodeRed extensively with home assistant, here's an example of a flow:

My front door opens (trigger) > turns lights on, but then also: > wait 3 minutes > check if my or spouse's phone is pingable > if neither phones are pingable then turn off all lights, AC units, and enable house alarm

Also another flow that's uses daily: 8:30pm(trigger) > check which house lights are on > any light that is on trigger a gradual temperature shift to warm and brightness to 50% over 10 minutes

- interesting, how does it interface with hardware,

- is it a low level c API or something that has directly interface to communicate with arduino, raspberry etc?

- what kind of devices can you use it with?

Not sure about those, I've only uses it with home assistant and virtual logic and communication. The most I use it when it comes to hardware is sending commands to my phones/tablets/laptops to run on/off, open urls, toggle wifi/Bluetooth, etc.

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