Understand multiple instances on same pc

[agmacedo]

I have 4 instances (app) running node-red on different folders on the same pc.
When I update to node-red 3.0, I was surprised because some apps doesn´t work well. The dark mode disapear (doesn´t responde) and multiple nodes do not apear on the ui. On layout nodes programming is everithing the same.
Can someone explain why this happens ?
Is there a best way to have multiple instances of node-red running on same pc?

Thanks and regards,

[Steve-Mcl]

@agmacedo

When I update to node-red 3.0, I was surprised because some apps doesn´t work well.

Which "apps" are these? What did you see? Did you add issues to the repositories so they can be fixed?

@agmacedo

The dark mode disapear (doesn´t responde)

What was the exact process you used for updating?
What was your previous version of node-red?

@agmacedo

Can someone explain why this happens ?

Not without details I'm afraid. However, if you had asked for advice before upgrading we could have guided you on the best path to avoid issues.

@agmacedo

Is there a best way to have multiple instances of node-red running on same pc?

No, but you may benefit from something like flowforge which is designed for running and managing multiple instances of node-red (full disclosure: I work for flowforge alongside one of the original creators of node-red)

[agmacedo]

I have 2 app running.

One for datalog and the for viewing and set-points transfer.

It is not simple to explain but I know if I create a new application and copy all the nodes then it works fine.

I need to understand how and where node-red saves the configuration for each application.

I have the main app running on the default user windows folder and the other on a specific folder and another port. Both are config to dark mode.

To install node-red 3 I follow the sit indications and run the “node --version && npm --version” on cmd window

[agmacedo]

I have backups of both applications, just in case!

[TotallyInformation]

@Steve-Mcl

@agmacedo

Is there a best way to have multiple instances of node-red running on same pc?

No

There are two ways. With a "standard" install - Node-RED is installed to the global npm location and you can only have 1 set of core code but can create many running instances from that 1 core.

Alternatively, you can install node-red locally to a folder. Then you can have as many different versions of node-red running as you like - great for testing new versions of node-red along side old ones. I created a little tool to help with that kind of installation. TotallyInformation/alternate-node-red-installer: An alternative installer for Node-RED. Avoids global installs, no admin rights required. (github.com)

Which is "best" depends on your needs.