Node-RED

Output new line character for Inject Node string

General
#1

Hi there,

I have a dummy inject node that output a string. How can I make it output a new line character?

Something like this, but this doesn't work.

image

By not working I mean this in a function node returns -1:

msg.payload.search(/\n/)

Thanks

#2

One option would be to use a change node setting the payload to the following JSONata (quotes included):

    "abc\ncde"

The inject node doesn't have the option of JSONata, hence the use of the change node.

#3

Perfect, thanks.

#4

It can send Json. So you can so the same trick with the inject node.

#5

True, I regularly forget that strings, numbers etc are valid JSON by themselves - it doesn't have to be an object. Perhaps I can hide behind the excuse that the JSON selection shows as {}, which dupes me every time.

#6

I didn't know that!

That does confuse me as I don't use it that often - I always debate whether I should stick a { before and } after my JSON text

I'd much prefer it didn't show them and then I would always think I should include them myself

Alternatively, if the default field entry was {} , then that would stop my confusion
image

#7

Most often JSON is used to represent an object, for example {"a": 0} in which case you need the braces. However a simple value such as 0 or "some string" on its own is also valid json and in that case must not have the braces.

#8

So maybe just use word JSON and miss off the { } altogether?

Would eliminate confusion for simple people - we'd just get it wrong to start with and then learn :slight_smile:

Whereas as the moment, I use it once in while and every-time I think - do I need to add in the {} or does Node-RED wrap them round for me? :slight_smile:

#9

Well te drop drop when you select it says image - and we shorten that to just the icon which we chose to be {} so that you have the most space for the input box. You can always click the dropdown again for a reminder ?