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Code node#

Use the Code node to write custom JavaScript or Python and run it as a step in your workflow.

Coding in lma

This page gives usage information about the Code node. For more guidance on coding in Localmind Automate, refer to the Code section. It includes:

Usage#

How to use the Code node.

Choose a mode#

There are two modes:

  • Run Once for All Items: this is the default. When your workflow runs, the code in the code node executes once, regardless of how many input items there are.
  • Run Once for Each Item: choose this if you want your code to run for every input item.

JavaScript#

The Code node supports Node.js.

Supported JavaScript features#

The Code node supports:

  • Promises. Instead of returning the items directly, you can return a promise which resolves accordingly.
  • Writing to your browser console using console.log. This is useful for debugging and troubleshooting your workflows.

Built-in methods and variables#

Localmind Automate provides built-in methods and variables for working with data and accessing Localmind Automate data. Refer to Built-in methods and variables for more information.

The syntax to use the built-in methods and variables is $variableName or $methodName(). Type $ in the Code node or expressions editor to see a list of suggested methods and variables.

Keyboard shortcuts#

The Code node editing environment supports time-saving and useful keyboard shortcuts for a range of operations from autocompletion to code-folding and using multiple-cursors. A full list can be found in the list of keyboard shortcuts.

Python#

Localmind Automate added Python support in version 1.0. It doesn't include a Python executable. Instead, Localmind Automate provides Python support using Pyodide, which is a port of CPython to WebAssembly. This limits the available Python packages to the Packages included with Pyodide. Localmind Automate downloads the package automatically the first time you use it.

Slower than JavaScript

The Code node takes longer to process Python than JavaScript. This is due to the extra compilation steps.

Built-in methods and variables#

Localmind Automate provides built-in methods and variables for working with data and accessing Localmind Automate data. Refer to Built-in methods and variables for more information.

The syntax to use the built-in methods and variables is _variableName or _methodName(). Type _ in the Code node to see a list of suggested methods and variables.

Keyboard shortcuts#

The Code node editing environment supports time-saving and useful keyboard shortcuts for a range of operations from autocompletion to code-folding and using multiple-cursors. A full list can be found in the list of keyboard shortcuts.

File system and HTTP requests#

You can't access the file system or make HTTP requests. Use the following nodes instead:

Coding in Localmind Automate#

There are two places where you can use code in Localmind Automate: the Code node and the expressions editor. When using either area, there are some key concepts you need to know, as well as some built-in methods and variables to help with common tasks.

Key concepts#

When working with the Code node, you need to understand the following concepts:

  • Data structure: understand the data you receive in the Code node, and requirements for outputting data from the node.
  • Item linking: learn how data items work, and how to link to items from previous nodes. You need to handle item linking in your code when the number of input and output items doesn't match.

Built-in methods and variables#

Localmind Automate includes built-in methods and variables. These provide support for:

  • Accessing specific item data
  • Accessing data about workflows, executions, and your Localmind Automate environment
  • Convenience variables to help with data and time

Refer to Built-in methods and variables for more information.

Use AI in the Code node#

AI generated code overwrites your code

If you've already written some code on the Code tab, the AI generated code will replace it. Localmind Automate recommends using AI as a starting point to create your initial code, then editing it as needed.

To use ChatGPT to generate code in the Code node:

  1. In the Code node, set Language to JavaScript.
  2. Select the Ask AI tab.
  3. Write your query.
  4. Select Generate Code. Localmind Automate sends your query to ChatGPT, then displays the result in the Code tab.

Common issues#

For common questions or issues and suggested solutions, refer to Common Issues.