> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.splox.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Nodes

> Building blocks of Splox workflows - individual actions that process data, call AI models, execute tools, and control flow

## What is a Node?

A **node** is a single unit of execution within a workflow. Each node performs a specific action—calling an AI model, executing a tool, transforming data, or controlling execution flow. Nodes are connected by edges to create complex automation pipelines.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Self-Contained" icon="box">
    Each node has its own configuration, inputs, outputs, and execution logic
  </Card>

  <Card title="Visual Interface" icon="eye">
    Nodes are represented as boxes on the canvas with input/output handles
  </Card>

  <Card title="Typed Connections" icon="link">
    Nodes connect via edges that define data flow and execution order
  </Card>

  <Card title="Real-time Status" icon="circle-play">
    See execution status, outputs, errors, and costs as workflows run
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Node Anatomy

### Handles

Nodes connect to each other through **handles** - connection points that define data flow:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Input Handles (Left Side)" icon="arrow-right">
    **Receive data and execution flow**

    * Located on the **left side** of nodes
    * Accept connections from previous nodes
    * Trigger node execution when activated
    * Pass data from source node to target node
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Output Handles (Right Side)" icon="arrow-right">
    **Send data to next nodes**

    Common output handle types:

    * **PARALLEL:** Main execution path (success)
    * **ERROR:** Error handling path (failures)
    * **TOOLS:** Tool calling path (Agent → Tool nodes)
    * **IF/ELIF/ELSE:** Conditional branching (Switch nodes)
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

### Node Configuration

Every node has configurable properties:

* **Name & Description:** Identify the node's purpose
* **Variable Mappings:** Reference data from previous nodes
* **Type-Specific Settings:** Model selection, tool configuration, conditions, etc.
* **Error Handling:** How the node responds to failures

***

## Detailed Documentation

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Entry Node" icon="play" href="/nodes/entry-node">
    Workflow entry and trigger point
  </Card>

  <Card title="Agent Node" icon="brain" href="/nodes/agent-node">
    Autonomous AI agent with tool calling
  </Card>

  <Card title="Tool Node" icon="wrench" href="/nodes/tool-node">
    Execute operations and actions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Switch Node" icon="code-branch" href="/nodes/switch-node">
    Conditional branching logic
  </Card>

  <Card title="Merge Node" icon="code-merge" href="/nodes/merge-node">
    Combine execution paths
  </Card>

  <Card title="Variable Mappings" icon="link" href="/nodes/variable-mappings">
    Reference data with Pongo2
  </Card>

  <Card title="Node Lifecycle" icon="circle-play" href="/nodes/lifecycle">
    Execution states and behavior
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## What's Next?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Edges" icon="link" href="/concepts/edges">
    Learn how nodes connect and how data flows between them
  </Card>

  <Card title="Workflows" icon="diagram-project" href="/concepts/workflows">
    Understand how nodes combine to create complete workflows
  </Card>

  <Card title="Build Your First Agent" icon="hammer" href="/tutorials/first-ai-agent">
    Follow a step-by-step tutorial to build an AI agent
  </Card>
</CardGroup>