What are Components?
Components are Node.js modules that run on Pipedream’s serverless infrastructure. They can use Pipedream managed auth for + apps (for both OAuth and key-based APIs) and use most npm packages with nonpm install
or package.json
required.
Components are most commonly used as the building blocks of Pipedream workflows, but they can also be used like typical serverless functions. You can explore curated components for popular apps in Pipedream’s Marketplace and GitHub repo or you can author and share your own.
Our TypeScript component API is in beta. If you’re interested in developing TypeScript components and providing feedback, see our TypeScript docs.
Component Types
Pipedream supports two types of components — sources and actions.Sources
Sources must be instantiated and they run as independent resources on Pipedream. They are commonly used as workflow triggers (but can also be used as standalone serverless functions). Capabilities- Accept user input on deploy via
props
- Trigger on HTTP requests, timers, cron schedules, or manually
- Emit events that can be inspected, trigger Pipedream workflows and that can be consumed in your own app via API
- Store and retrieve state using the built-in key-value store
- Use any of Pipedream’s built-in deduping strategies
- Deploy via Pipedream’s UI, CLI or API
Actions
Actions are components that may be used as steps in a workflow. Unlike sources, actions cannot run independently (outside of a workflow). Capabilities- Accept user input via
props
- May
return
JSON serializable data
Using Components
Components may be instantiated or added to workflows via Pipedream’s UI.Using Private Actions
Private action components published from the CLI or from a Node.js Code Step are available for use across your workflows. To use a published action, add a new step to your workflow and click My Actions. Your privately published action components will appear in this list.
Using Private Sources
Private source components deployed from your account via the CLI will automatically create a new Source in your account with the prop configuration you specified. Then in the workflow builder, when creating the trigger, select the Existing sources tab in the upper right corner to select your deployed source:

Developing Components
Develop components locally using your preferred code editor (and maintain your code in your own GitHub repo) and deploy or publish using Pipedream’s CLI.- Sources may be deployed directly from local code or published to your account and instantiated via Pipedream’s UI
- Actions may only be published — published actions may be added to workflows via Pipedream’s UI
Prerequisites
- A free Pipedream account
- A free GitHub account
- Basic proficiency with Node.js or Javascript
- Pipedream CLI
Quickstart Guides
Component API Reference
After getting familiar with source/action development using the quickstart guides, check out the Component API Reference and examples on GitHub to learn more.Managing Privately Published Components
Components published to your workspace are available in the Components section of the dashboard. Your private components published from the CLI or from Node.js code steps are listed here.Unpublishing Privately Published Components
To unpublish components belonging to your workspace, open the menu on the right hand side of the component details and select Unpublish Component. A prompt will open to confirm the action, click Confirm to unpublish your action.
Unpublishing a component is a permanent action, please be careful to ensure you still have access to the source code.
Sharing Components
Contribute to the Pipedream community by publishing and sharing new components, and contributing to the maintenance of existing components.Verified Components
Pipedream maintains a source-available registry of components (sources and actions) that have been curated for the community. Registered components are verified by Pipedream through the GitHub PR process and:- Can be trusted by end users
- Follow consistent patterns for usability
- Are supported by Pipedream if issues arise