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Node-based fundamentals beginner 5 min

The KNIME workbench

Node repository, workflow editor, console — and how a workflow is put together.

What you'll be able to do
  • Navigate the workbench
  • Add and connect nodes
  • Configure and execute a node

The areas

Inputread sourceCleantypes, nullsBlendjoin, unionAggregategroup byOutputwrite result
Every ETL tool arranges the same five stages — only the interface changes.

Working with a node

Three steps for every node:

  1. 1Drag it onto the canvas from the repository
  2. 2Connect its input to the previous node's output port
  3. 3Double-click to configure, then execute

Right-click gives Configure, Execute, and options to view the output. F7 executes the selected node; Shift+F7 executes everything.

Ports

Ports carry data between nodes. The shape tells you the type:

  • Black triangle — a data table, the usual one
  • Blue square — a database connection
  • Coloured shapes — models, flow variables, images, documents

You can only connect matching port types, which prevents a whole class of mistake before it happens.

Viewing data

Right-click an executed node → the last menu entries show its output tables.

The Node Monitor view is more convenient during development: select any node and it shows that node's output without opening a window each time.

Key points
  • Search the Node Repository rather than browsing thousands of nodes
  • Every node is drag, connect, configure, execute
  • Port shape indicates data type; only matching types connect
Check yourself