> ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.dotportion.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Nodes Overview > Learn about all available nodes in DotPortion and how each node fits into building workflows. # Nodes Overview Nodes are the **building blocks** of every workflow in DotPortion. Each node performs a **single, focused responsibility**, and workflows are created by connecting nodes together in sequence.\ This approach makes backend logic **visual, predictable, and easy to maintain**. This page gives you a **high-level overview of all nodes** available in DotPortion.\ Click on any node to view its **detailed documentation**. *** ## How Nodes Work Together A typical workflow looks like this: ``` API Start β†’ Request Parameters β†’ Logic β†’ Database β†’ API Response ``` * Execution flows **top to bottom** * Data flows **between nodes** * The workflow ends when an **API Response Node** is executed *** ## Core Nodes ### πŸ”Ή API Start Node **Entry point of every workflow** Defines how an HTTP request enters DotPortion. * HTTP Method * URL Path * Request entry πŸ‘‰ [Read API Start Node docs](/docs/nodes/api-start) *** ### πŸ”Ή API Response Node **Ends the workflow and sends the response** Controls the final HTTP status and response body. * Status codes * Response output * Terminates execution πŸ‘‰ [Read API Response Node docs](/docs/nodes/api-response) *** ## Input & Validation Nodes ### πŸ”Ή Request Parameters Node **Extract and validate incoming request data** Used to define what input your API expects. * Body * Query * Headers * Path params πŸ‘‰ [Read Request Parameters Node docs](/docs/nodes/request-parameters) *** ## Logic & Flow Control Nodes ### πŸ”Ή Condition Node **Control execution using conditions** Allows workflows to branch based on JavaScript expressions. * Boolean conditions * Access dynamic values * Guard logic πŸ‘‰ [Read Condition Node docs](/docs/nodes/condition) *** ### πŸ”Ή Logic Node **Write custom JavaScript / TypeScript** Used when visual configuration is not enough. * Transform data * Perform calculations * Build objects πŸ‘‰ [Read Logic Node docs](/docs/nodes/logic) *** ### πŸ”Ή Loop Node **Iterate over lists** Executes connected nodes for each item in an array. * Sequential execution * Access current item * Bulk operations πŸ‘‰ [Read Loop Node docs](/docs/nodes/loop) *** ## Authentication & Security Nodes ### πŸ”Ή JWT Generate Node **Generate JSON Web Tokens** Used for authentication and session handling. * Custom payload * Token expiration * Platform-managed secret πŸ‘‰ [Read JWT Generate Node docs](/docs/nodes/jwt-generate) *** ### πŸ”Ή JWT Verify Node **Verify and decode JWTs** Protects APIs by validating tokens. * Signature verification * Expiration checks * Payload decoding πŸ‘‰ [Read JWT Verify Node docs](/docs/nodes/jwt-verify) *** ## Database Nodes ### πŸ”Ή Database Node (Managed) **DotPortion’s built-in database** No setup required. Ideal for MVPs and rapid development. * CRUD operations * Managed MongoDB * Project-scoped data πŸ‘‰ [Read Database Node docs](/docs/nodes/database) *** ### πŸ”Ή MongoDB Node (External) **Connect your own MongoDB database** Used when working with existing or external databases. * Requires MongoDB connection URL * Full CRUD support * External data access πŸ‘‰ [Read MongoDB Node docs](/docs/nodes/mongodb) *** ## Choosing the Right Nodes | Goal | Recommended Nodes | | --------------- | -------------------- | | Build an API | API Start β†’ Response | | Validate input | Request Parameters | | Apply logic | Condition / Logic | | Process arrays | Loop | | Store data | Database / MongoDB | | Secure APIs | JWT Verify | | Generate tokens | JWT Generate | *** ## Best Practices * Start every workflow with **API Start** * End every API workflow with **API Response** * Validate inputs early * Keep logic nodes focused * Prefer managed Database Node for quick builds * Use MongoDB Node for existing databases *** ## What’s Next? * Learn how each node works in detail * Build complete API examples * Combine nodes to create real-world workflows ➑️ Start by reading the **API Start Node** documentation. ``` ```