Core Concepts

Understanding these concepts will help you build effective workflows in NodeDrop.

Workflows

A workflow is a collection of connected nodes that automate a process. Workflows:

• Start with a trigger node
• Process data through action nodes
• Can branch, loop, and merge data flows

Nodes

Nodes are the building blocks of workflows. Each node performs a specific action:

Trigger Nodes

Start workflow execution. Every workflow needs at least one trigger.

Action Nodes

Process and transform data.

Connections

Connections link nodes together, defining the flow of data. Data flows from output ports to input ports.

• Most nodes have one input and one output
• Logic nodes (If/Else, Switch) have multiple outputs
• Merge nodes have multiple inputs

Data Flow

Data in NodeDrop flows as items - JSON objects that pass between nodes.

{
  "json": {
    "name": "John",
    "email": "[email protected]"
  }
}

Each node receives items from the previous node, processes them, and outputs new items.

Expressions

Expressions let you reference data from previous nodes using the {{ }} syntax:

{{ $json.fieldName }}           // Current item's field
{{ $node["NodeName"].json.field }}  // Specific node's output
{{ $input.first().json.field }}     // First input item

Credentials

Credentials securely store authentication data like API keys and OAuth tokens. They're:

• Encrypted at rest
• Reusable across workflows
• Managed separately from workflow definitions

Executions

An execution is a single run of a workflow. NodeDrop tracks:

• Execution status (success, error, running)
• Data at each node
• Timing information
• Error messages

Environments

Environments let you use different configurations (like API endpoints) for development vs production without changing your workflow.

Workspaces (Cloud Edition)

Workspaces organize workflows, credentials, and team members. Available in the Cloud edition for team collaboration.