6: Nodes Reference Guide
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      Overview of Node Types

      Understand the different categories of nodes in Rayven’s Workflow Builder and how they contribute to application logic, data handling, and user interfaces.

      Overview

      Rayven workflows are constructed from modular components called nodes. Each node performs a specific function—ingesting, processing, outputting, or visualising data—and by connecting nodes in sequence, you define the logic and flow of your application.

      Nodes in Rayven are grouped into four major categories:

      • Connector Nodes: For integrating with external systems.

      • Logic Nodes: For manipulating and routing data.

      • AI Nodes: For leveraging generative AI within workflows.

      • Frontend Nodes: For creating visible, interactive widgets on the App Interface.

      This article provides an overview of each node category and how they are used within Rayven applications.

      Node Categories in Rayven

      Connector Nodes

      Connector nodes are responsible for ingesting and outputting data. They interface with external systems, APIs, devices, cloud services, and file-based sources. Some connectors are bi-directional.

      Common Uses:

      • Ingest sensor or application data

      • Push processed outputs to APIs or databases

      • Collect user inputs from forms

      Examples Include:

      • API, HTTP, MQTT, SQL, FTP, AMQP, Forms, OpenWeather, Slack

      • Output variants like Output to API, Output to Email, Output to Modbus, etc.

      Logic Nodes

      Logic nodes allow you to transform, evaluate, combine, and route data. They are the backbone of workflow-based processing.

      Common Uses:

      • Apply business logic and rules

      • Perform calculations or aggregations

      • Modify payloads, split data, or merge streams

      Examples Include:

      • Rule Builder, Combine Data, JavaScript, Queue, Trigger, Count Value, Conditional Filter, Extract JSON, Query Tables, Update Tables

      AI Nodes

      AI nodes let you connect to generative AI services (currently OpenAI) to generate responses, summarise content, or interpret input dynamically.

      Open AI Node Features:

      • Accepts static or dynamic prompts

      • Receives data from earlier workflow nodes

      • Returns structured or unstructured results

      • Output can be processed further or shown in interfaces

      Frontend Nodes

      Frontend nodes create the visual widgets that appear in App Interfaces. They are used to display data, enable user interaction, or embed custom experiences.

      There are two subtypes:

      • Pre-Built Frontend Nodes: Graphs, tables, gauges, etc.

      • UI Code Node: Custom HTML, CSS, and JavaScript widgets

      Common Uses:

      • Visualise real-time or historical data

      • Capture user input through forms or controls

      • Build full custom interfaces using UI Code

      Examples Include:

      • Line Chart, Pie Chart, Value, Form, Map, Tank Level, Gauge

      • UI Code (used for complete custom widgets or app interfaces)

      Node Usage Notes

      • All nodes have an "Inspect Data" tab: View incoming and outgoing payloads for debugging.

      • Frontend nodes must be added to workflows to be available as widgets.

      • Some nodes, like Trigger or Send Data to Node, can initiate or connect workflows.

      • UI Code nodes can both receive workflow data and directly query/write to tables.

      • Workflows can be designed to run iteratively—once per UID or per label group.

      Summary

      Rayven’s node-based architecture enables highly flexible and powerful application logic. Each node type serves a purpose:

      • Connector Nodes bring data in or push it out.

      • Logic Nodes manipulate and route data.

      • AI Nodes introduce generative intelligence.

      • Frontend Nodes turn workflow data into visual, interactive components.

      Understanding these categories is essential for designing efficient, scalable, and responsive applications in Rayven.

      FAQs

      Do I need to use all four types of nodes in every workflow?
      No. Use only the nodes your use case requires. Some workflows use only logic nodes, while others combine multiple types.

      Can nodes trigger workflows on their own?
      Yes. Connector and Trigger nodes can initiate workflows based on schedules or events. UI Code nodes can also trigger workflows based on user actions.

      Can I inspect the data flowing through a node?
      Yes. Every node includes an “Inspect Data” tab that shows recent incoming and outgoing payloads.

      How do widgets appear in the App Interface?
      Frontend nodes added to a workflow become available as widgets. You must select them in the Interface configuration page.

      Is JavaScript supported across all node types?
      Only specific nodes like the JavaScript node and UI Code node allow custom scripting. Most others use configurable settings.

      What’s the difference between a Frontend node and a widget?
      A Frontend node is part of the workflow. Once selected on an interface, it becomes a widget visible to users.

      Are AI nodes required?
      No. AI nodes are optional and used only if you want to embed LLM capabilities into your workflows.