Connect OpenFlow on Localhost Using Docker Files: The Ultimate Setup for OpenRPA and Node-RED

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) can help you automate repetitive tasks, saving time and reducing errors. With open-source tools like OpenRPA and Node-RED, you can create a powerful automation setup without the hefty price tag of commercial software. OpenRPA allows you to automate almost any task quickly, while Node-RED offers a user-friendly interface for seamlessly connecting various applications and devices.

OpenIAP Flow is a versatile framework designed to simplify the deployment and management of OpenRPA bots. In this guide, we’ll walk you through connecting OpenFlow on localhost, which offers several benefits over cloud-hosted OpenFlow. This setup will pave the way for the next step: connecting with Node-RED, allowing you to build even more powerful automation workflows. Let’s dive in and discover how to connect OpenFlow on localhost.

Step 1: Install Git

Git is a version control system that allows you to track changes in your code and collaborate efficiently. We’ll use Git to pull the Docker repository required for the OpenFlow connection.

Download & Install Git

• Visit the official Git website and download the latest Git installer for your OS.
• Find the .exe file you downloaded (usually in your Downloads folder) and double-click it to run the installer.

Complete the Installation

• Continue through the installation wizard, keeping the default settings unless you have specific requirements.
• Once the installation is complete, click “Finish” to exit the setup wizard.

Verify the Installation

• Open Git Bash from your applications to confirm Git is installed correctly.
• In the Command Prompt or Terminal, type the following command and press Enter:

git --version

• This command will display the installed version of Git, confirming that the installation was successful.

Step 2: Install Docker Desktop

Docker Desktop is a powerful application that allows you to build, manage, and deploy containerized applications on your Windows machine. After installation, it’s essential to restart your computer to ensure all changes take effect.

Download Docker Desktop

• Go to the official Docker Desktop page. Click on the “Download Docker Desktop” button & select your OS. This will start downloading the Docker Desktop installer.

Run the Installer

• Find the Docker Desktop installer in your Downloads folder (usually named Docker Desktop Installer.exe).
• Double-click the installer file to begin.

Follow the Installation Wizard

• Follow the prompts in the setup wizard, keeping the default settings unless you have specific requirements.
• During installation, Docker Desktop may prompt you to enable the Windows Subsystem for Linux (WSL 2) if it’s not already enabled. Follow the on-screen instructions to do so, as WSL 2 is essential for running Docker containers on Windows effectively.
• Once it’s finished, click “Close.”

Restart Your Computer

• It’s important to restart your computer to ensure the installation changes take effect.

Verify the Installation

• After your computer restarts, open Docker Desktop.
• You can verify that Docker is running correctly by opening a command prompt or PowerShell and typing:

docker --version

• This command should return the installed version of Docker, confirming the installation was successful.

Step 3: Clone the Open-RPA Docker Repository

To take advantage of OpenFlow’s enterprise features, you’ll need to clone the Open-RPA Docker GitHub repository. This process will allow you to set up your environment quickly using Docker Compose, enabling you to run OpenFlow and its associated services effortlessly.

Open a Shell

• Open Command Prompt or PowerShell. On your Windows machine, search for “cmd” or “PowerShell” in the Start menu and open it.

Navigate to Your Desired Directory

• Use the cd command to navigate to the folder where you want to save the cloned files. For example:

cd C:\path\to\your\directory

• Replace C:\path\to\your\directory with your preferred location.

Clone the Repository

• Run the following command to clone the Open-RPA docker repository:

git clone https://github.com/open-rpa/docker.git

• This command downloads the entire repository to your local machine.

Navigate to the Docker Directory

• After cloning, move into the newly created Docker directory:

cd docker

Start Docker Compose

To start with the docker-compose.yml file, run:

On Windows:

.\normal-up.bat

On Linux/Mac:

./normal-up.sh

Open Docker Desktop

• Launch Docker Desktop application.
• Click on the “Containers” tab (opened by default) to view the different images being created. You should see various containers listed as Docker Compose pulls the necessary images and sets them up according to the configuration specified in the docker-compose.yml file.

All Done!

Now you’re all set! Navigate to http://localhost.openiap.io to see the login page for OpenFlow running on your localhost. You can enter any username and password on this sign-in page, which will serve as your admin credentials for future logins.

http://localhost.openiap.io

Upon opening the dashboard, you’ll see all the items in OpenFlow successfully displayed, confirming that your setup was completed correctly. Enjoy exploring the powerful automation features that OpenFlow offers!

Useful Links:

• Official Git Website: Git
• Docker Desktop: Docker Desktop: The #1 Containerization Tool for Developers | Docker
• Open-RPA Docker Repository: open-rpa/docker
• OpenRPA GitHub Releases: Releases · open-rpa/openrpa