Node-RED is a flow-based, low-code programming tool for wiring together hardware devices, APIs, and online services using a browser-based editor. It's built on Node.js and widely used for IoT, automation, and rapid prototyping.

Use a Dockerfile to add custom nodes like:

• node-red-dashboard
• node-red-contrib-users (multi-user auth)
• node-red-contrib-postgresql
• node-red-contrib-cron-plus
• node-red-contrib-custom-chatgpt (optional)

Include a custom settings.js for HTTPS and adminAuth. Example password hashes can be generated using:

node-red admin hash-pw

Use a docker-compose file to run both Node-RED and Postgres locally. Configure persistent volumes and expose ports. Verify nodes via Palette Manager and create database tables:

CREATE TABLE users (...);

Use an SDL file to define services for:

• Node-RED (with persistent volume)
• PostgreSQL (secure, not globally exposed)
• Nginx reverse proxy (handles SSL via Let's Encrypt or pre-mounted certs)

Add user accounts via the sidebar UI. Use the "Is Logged In" node to protect dashboard routes. JWT cookies manage sessions. Access control is enforced via msg.req.user.

Register apps and implement OAuth flows for each platform. Use HTTP request nodes to post content at runtime:

• Instagram: /media → /media_publish
• Facebook: /feed (with optional scheduling param)
• YouTube: upload or update privacy via Data API

Use dynamic scheduling by sending commands to cron-plus node. On startup, reload jobs from the DB. Example schedule format:

{
  command: "add",
  name: "job123",
  schedule: "2025-07-01T15:00:00Z",
  payload: {...}
}

Use PostgreSQL behind firewall rules. Encrypt tokens, restrict access via msg.req.user. Consider refresh tokens over long-lived access tokens. Enable data backups.