Node.js 8 the Right Way

Creating HTTP APIs with Node-RED

Now that you have the basics of working with Node-RED down, let’s use Node-RED to create an HTTP service. This showcases the power of Node-RED to facilitate creating server-side APIs visually.

We’ll start simple, with a basic Hello World web service, then upgrade it to query Elasticsearch, much like the Express-based web services you developed in Chapter 7, ​Developing RESTful Web Services​.

Establishing an HTTP Endpoint

To start with, let’s bring up a new flow. In the upper-right corner of the workspace you’ll find a plus (+) button. Click this to create a new tab for your next flow.

In the top-right corner of the screen is a button to open the main menu. Under View, if you check the Show Grid option, ...