Community Nodes

Community Nodes

Being a part of the BuildShip community means more than just using tools it means contributing to them. With Community Nodes, you can extend the power of BuildShip and share your ideas with builders across the world.

This guide walks you through what community nodes are, how to build them effectively, and how to share your creations with the wider BuildShip ecosystem.

Community Nodes Explorer

What are Community Nodes?

Community Nodes are custom nodes created by BuildShip users that expand the platform’s functionality. Once submitted, these nodes become part of the shared Community Library, enabling others to use, remix, or build upon them.

Prerequisites ✅

Before you get started, make sure you have the following:

  • A BuildShip Community Profile
  • A basic understanding of how to create nodes in BuildShip (No worries if you're new, BuildShip Compass - our chat-based building experience can help you build and edit nodes easily!)
Community Profile

Best Practices for creating a Node 🛠️

Creating a node for the community is a little different from creating one just for your own project. Here are a few best practices to keep in mind:

Check for Uniqueness

Browse the existing Community Nodes Library to avoid duplicating functionality. You can find the Community Nodes Library in the Node Explorer's "Community" tab.

Write Clear Documentation

Make it easy for others to use your node:

  • Add meaningful descriptions to all inputs and outputs

  • Use accurate type definitions

  • Include usage examples in the node description

  • Mention any external setup steps or dependencies

Documented Node

Follow Security Best Practices

Community nodes should never include sensitive information or unsafe logic. Make sure your code:

  • Doesn’t hardcode tokens or secrets

  • Avoids unsafe external dependencies

  • Handles errors gracefully

Set Node Metadata Thoughtfully

Node Metadata

Good metadata improves discoverability:

  • Choose a descriptive, readable name

  • Write a clear summary of what your node does

  • Pick the right key-based or OAuth authentication method based on your node's needs

💡

Node Integrations and Authentication

To use the key-based authentication behavior for your node:

  1. Pick the required integration from the node settings
  2. Make sure to add auth as a dependency from the NodeScriptOptions
export default async function ({ videoUrl }: NodeInputs, { auth, logging }: NodeScriptOptions) {
  // this would let you access the key user has selected in the canvas
  const apiKey = auth.getKey();
}

To use the OAuth authentication behavior for your node:

  1. Pick the required integration from the node settings
  2. Make sure to add auth as a dependency from the NodeScriptOptions
export default async function ({ videoUrl }: NodeInputs, { auth, logging }: NodeScriptOptions) {
  // this would let you access the token for the account user has selected in the canvas
  const { access_token } = await auth.getToken();
}

Test Thoroughly

You're creating something others will rely on so make sure it works:

  • Save working examples in your node

  • Test with different inputs, edge cases, and error scenarios

  • Confirm the output is consistent and correct

Submitting Your Node 📤

When your node is polished and ready for the spotlight, here’s how to submit it:

1. Open the Node Menu

In the node editor, click the options menu (three dots) and select "Publish to Community."

2. Pass Submission Checks

Pre-submission Checks

To maintain quality across the community, your node must:

  • Include complete documentation

  • Have at least one working example saved

  • Pass automated validation checks

These steps ensure your node is usable by others and behaves reliably.

3. Fill Out the Submission Form

Node Submission Form

You'll be prompted to:

  • Confirm the node's name and description

  • Specify types for inputs/outputs

  • Add notes on setup, authentication, or limitations

4. Review and Approval

After submission, the BuildShip team will review your node. Once approved, it will appear in the Community Nodes Library for everyone to use and remix!

Need Help?

Stuck somewhere? We've got your back. Reach out to the BuildShip team by sending an in-app support request.

Thank you for building with us! 💜 Your contributions make BuildShip better for everyone.

Need Help?

  • 💬
    Join BuildShip Community

    An active and large community of no-code / low-code builders. Ask questions, share feedback, showcase your project and connect with other BuildShip enthusiasts.

  • 🙋
    Hire a BuildShip Expert

    Need personalized help to build your product fast? Browse and hire from a range of independent freelancers, agencies and builders - all well versed with BuildShip.

  • 🛟
    Send a Support Request

    Got a specific question on your workflows / project or want to report a bug? Send a us a request using the "Support" button directly from your BuildShip Dashboard.

  • ⭐️
    Feature Request

    Something missing in BuildShip for you? Share on the #FeatureRequest channel on Discord. Also browse and cast your votes on other feature requests.