HowTo: Node Red - Installation of Node Red on the Raspberry Pi - nerdiy.de - DIY, electronics, 3D printing and more...

In my opinion, NodeRed is one of the most intuitive graphical programming tools in the SmartHome/IoT area.

In NodeRed, program sequences are not (only) programmed with program code but largely with function blocks (nodes) that can be combined and connected with each other.
This reduces the hurdles for beginners and those switching to getting started with NodeRed.

Before you can use NodeRed, you first have to integrate it into your SmartHome system.
How to install NodeRed on a RapsberryPi is described in the following article.

Safety instructions

I know the following notes are always kind of annoying and seem unnecessary. Unfortunately, many people who knew "better" have lost eyes, fingers or other things due to carelessness or injured themselves. Data loss is almost negligible in comparison, but even these can be really annoying. Therefore, please take five minutes to read the safety instructions. Because even the coolest project is not worth injury or other trouble.
https://www.nerdiy.de/sicherheitshinweise/

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Requirements

Helpful articles:
Before you start with the installation you should prepare the RaspberryPi so that it is accessible via the network and controllable via SSH.

The following three articles describe what needs to be done to prepare the RaspberryPi:
RaspberryPi – setup for nerdiys!
RaspberryPi – The first configuration!
RaspberryPi – Control the RaspberryPi via SSH

Required tool:
-no-

Required material:

In the following list you will find all the parts you need to implement this article.

Log in to the RaspberryPi via SSH

To start, you must first log in to the Rasp Pi with Putty via SSH. How to do this is in the article RaspberryPi - Control the RaspberryPi via SSH described.

After entering your username and password you can enter the first commands.

Update package management

The package management in Linux is a "central place" through which various software packages can be installed. In order for this to work reliably, the lists and sources of the package management should be updated before each installation of new packages.

To start the update of the package management you have to enter the following command.

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade

Depending on how long ago your last update of the package management was, this process can now take a while. The lists that refer to the individual package sources are updated first.

After that, the packages themselves are updated. Since additional memory is occupied, you will be asked again for your consent. You have to confirm this with a "J" and "Enter".

Once the update is complete, you will see a small summary of the duration and scope of the update.

Run installation script

Installing NodeRed is child's play thanks to an installation script provided by the developers. It installs and configures the required software packages automatically.
To start the installation script you just need to run the following command.

bash <(curl -sL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/node-red/linux-installers/master/deb/update-nodejs-and-nodered)

Before the installation script starts with the installation, you must confirm once again that you agree to this. You will also be asked to make a backup of your SD card if necessary. If you agree, confirm this query with a "Y" and "Enter".

In the last query before the installation script starts the installation, you can specify whether you also want to install the "Pi-specific" nodes. These nodes access functions that are typical for the RaspberryPI. For example, nodes are then installed with which you can access the GPIO pins of your RaspberryPI. Unless otherwise desired, you can install these as well.

...and after about five minutes you should have the required software packages installed.

After installation you can start NodeRed. Simply follow the next steps. It is also recommended to set up the NodeRed autostart.

Start NodeRed

NodeRed can be started with the following command:

sudo systemctl start nodered

Stop NodeRed

NodeRed can be stopped with the following command:

sudo systemctl stop nodered

Restart NodeRed

If you need to restart NodeRed, you can do so with the following command:

sudo systemctl restart nodered

Enable NodeRed autostart

In order for NodeRed to start automatically after restarting the RaspberryPI, you must execute the following command. This means that after restarting the Raspberry Pi you no longer have to worry about starting NodeRed manually.

sudo systemctl enable nodered.service

Call up the NodeRed interface

After installation, the NodeRed configuration interface can be called up in the web browser using the IP address of your RaspberryPI and the port "1880".
To do this, enter the following into the address bar of your browser:

http://IP_EURES_RASPBERRYPI:1880

Of course you have to replace "IP_EURES_RASPBERRYPI" with the real IP address or the host name of your RaspberryPI.

Security

After installation, your NodeRed installation is unfortunately configured like an open barn door by default. There are no hurdles (as long as you are in the same network as the Raspberry Pi) to execute commands on the Raspberry Pi via NodeRed. You should definitely change this.
You can find tips on this in the articles NodeRed – Set up user login and NodeRed - Encrypt connection.

Further information

You can find more information on using NodeRed and a few examples in the "NodeRed" category on Nerdiy.de. Go to the category this way.

Have fun with the project

I hope everything worked as described for you. If not or you have questions or suggestions please let me know in the comments. I will then add this to the article if necessary.
Ideas for new projects are always welcome. 🙂

PS Many of these projects - especially the hardware projects - cost a lot of time and money. Of course I do this because I enjoy it, but if you think it's cool that I share the information with you, I would be happy about a small donation to the coffee fund. 🙂