Node-RED Quick Link Plugin - Less Dragging, Less Wiring

Share Your Nodes
1

Node-RED Quick Link Plugin

Links are pretty important in almost every Node-RED project. You use them to connect different flows, clean up large workspaces, and avoid having wires crossing all over the place.

I made a small plugin that makes creating those links a lot quicker.

You no longer need to search through the palette, drag in Link In and Link Out nodes, connect them manually, and then link them together.

Instead, you can just right-click a node and mark it. Then go to another node, either in the same flow or a completely different one, right-click it, and choose Link To or Link From.

The plugin checks the direction of the connection and what inputs and outputs the selected nodes have. Once you click it, the plugin automatically:

  • Creates the required Link In and Link Out nodes

  • Gives them sensible names

  • Connects the link nodes to each other

  • Connects them to the selected nodes

  • Places them in the workspace

The plugin is still in an early stage, but it is working and ready to try.

Let me know if you find any bugs, have feedback, or would like to see extra features added. You can also send me a private message.

I think something like this could be a useful native addition to Node-RED itself. It is simple to use, saves quite a few steps, and does not change how Node-RED stores or runs your flows.

Check it at: node-red-contrib-quick-link

2

As you say, potentially useful native feature. Before you invest more time in your plugin, would you consider contributing to the core?

3

I will give it a try.
I have raised it as a Issue/Feature request

4

That code is not necessary. Instead, you can load the CSS file in the HTML which should be a fair bit more efficient. You are forcing the JavaScript engine to do what HTML can do natively.

I think you may have this in your other plugin as well?

5

I can ref it in the html indeed. I copied some parts from my first plugin where I managed to edit the node red editor, so its in this one as well.

I slowly testing some things and improving code to make it more streamlined. Many contribs are for personal use and were built just for function. However I decided to publish them nonetheless.

6

Certainly not complaining about contributions. :smiley:

Just trying to help you publish more robust and efficient code.

7

Oh no, the feedback is all but welcome.
I am trying to migrate from a industrial system to Node Red.

I although i'm quite new to Github and NPM, plugins, etc; I enjoy making it and I need the feedback as I could not find out or convince myself what could be better or needs attention.

I'm currently adjusting and testing all the contribs to have a more proper structure within it's code and files. Cleaning up, etc.

Thank!