Finished HTTP node creation and extensive node creation documentation in project

.clinerules

@@ -927,3 +927,155 @@ If you don't see the log, the subscription isn't working.
 
 _Last Updated: December 2025_
 ```
+
+---
+
+## 14. Node Creation Checklist
+
+> **🚨 CRITICAL:** Before creating or modifying runtime nodes, read `dev-docs/reference/LEARNINGS-NODE-CREATION.md`
+
+Creating nodes in OpenNoodl is deceptively tricky. This checklist prevents the most common (and hardest to debug) issues.
+
+### 14.1 Pre-Flight Checklist
+
+Before writing any node code:
+
+- [ ] Read `dev-docs/reference/LEARNINGS-NODE-CREATION.md` (especially the CRITICAL GOTCHAS section)
+- [ ] Study an existing working node of similar complexity (e.g., `restnode.js` for data nodes)
+- [ ] Understand the difference between `inputs` (static) vs `prototypeExtensions` (instance methods)
+- [ ] Know where your node should be registered (noodl-runtime vs noodl-viewer-react)
+
+### 14.2 Input Handler Rules
+
+```javascript
+// ✅ CORRECT: Signal inputs use valueChangedToTrue
+inputs: {
+  fetch: {
+    type: 'signal',
+    valueChangedToTrue: function() {
+      this.scheduleFetch();
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+// ❌ WRONG: Signal inputs with set() - NEVER TRIGGERS
+inputs: {
+  fetch: {
+    type: 'signal',
+    set: function(value) { // ☠️ Never called for signals
+      this.scheduleFetch();
+    }
+  }
+}
+```
+
+### 14.3 Never Override setInputValue
+
+```javascript
+// ❌ BREAKS EVERYTHING - Never define setInputValue in prototypeExtensions
+prototypeExtensions: {
+  setInputValue: function(name, value) { // ☠️ Overrides base - signals stop working
+    // ...
+  }
+}
+
+// ✅ Use a different name for custom storage
+prototypeExtensions: {
+  _storeInputValue: function(name, value) { // ✅ Doesn't override anything
+    this._internal.inputValues[name] = value;
+  }
+}
+```
+
+### 14.4 Dynamic Ports Must Include Static Ports
+
+```javascript
+// ❌ WRONG - Static ports disappear
+function updatePorts(nodeId, parameters, editorConnection) {
+  const ports = [];
+  // Only adds dynamic ports...
+  editorConnection.sendDynamicPorts(nodeId, ports); // Static inputs gone!
+}
+
+// ✅ CORRECT - Include all ports
+function updatePorts(nodeId, parameters, editorConnection) {
+  const ports = [
+    // Re-add static inputs
+    { name: 'url', displayName: 'URL', type: 'string', plug: 'input', group: 'Request' },
+    { name: 'fetch', displayName: 'Fetch', type: 'signal', plug: 'input', group: 'Actions' },
+    // Then add dynamic ports...
+  ];
+  editorConnection.sendDynamicPorts(nodeId, ports);
+}
+```
+
+### 14.5 Register Config Inputs Explicitly
+
+```javascript
+// Config inputs (from stringlist editors) need explicit registration
+registerInputIfNeeded: function(name) {
+  if (this.hasInput(name)) return;
+
+  // Map config names to their setters
+  const configSetters = {
+    'method': this.setMethod.bind(this),
+    'headers': this.setHeaders.bind(this),
+    'queryParams': this.setQueryParams.bind(this)
+  };
+
+  if (configSetters[name]) {
+    return this.registerInput(name, { set: configSetters[name] });
+  }
+
+  // Handle prefixed dynamic inputs
+  if (name.startsWith('header-')) {
+    return this.registerInput(name, {
+      set: this._storeInputValue.bind(this, name)
+    });
+  }
+}
+```
+
+### 14.6 Export Format Matters
+
+```javascript
+// ✅ CORRECT: Export with setup function
+module.exports = {
+  node: MyNode,
+  setup: function (context, graphModel) {
+    // Port management goes here
+  }
+};
+
+// ❌ WRONG: Direct export (setup never runs)
+module.exports = MyNode;
+```
+
+### 14.7 Post-Creation Verification
+
+After creating a node:
+
+1. **Check ports appear**: All static AND dynamic inputs/outputs visible in editor?
+2. **Check signals work**: Add console.log in `valueChangedToTrue` - does it print?
+3. **Check config inputs work**: Change dropdown/stringlist values - does setter get called?
+4. **Clear caches if needed**: `npm run clean:all` and restart
+
+### 14.8 Quick Reference
+
+| Input Type                   | Handler                     | Callback Format             |
+| ---------------------------- | --------------------------- | --------------------------- |
+| Signal                       | `valueChangedToTrue`        | `function() { ... }`        |
+| Value (string, number, etc.) | `set`                       | `function(value) { ... }`   |
+| Enum (dropdown)              | `set`                       | `function(value) { ... }`   |
+| StringList (config)          | Needs explicit registration | Via `registerInputIfNeeded` |
+
+### 14.9 Where to Find Examples
+
+| Pattern                              | Example File                                                     |
+| ------------------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
+| Complex data node with dynamic ports | `noodl-runtime/src/nodes/std-library/data/restnode.js`           |
+| HTTP node (fixed, working)           | `noodl-runtime/src/nodes/std-library/data/httpnode.js`           |
+| Simple value node                    | `noodl-runtime/src/nodes/std-library/variables/numbernode.js`    |
+| Signal-based node                    | `noodl-runtime/src/nodes/std-library/timer.js` (in viewer-react) |
+
+---

dev-docs/reference/LEARNINGS-NODE-CREATION.md

@@ -64,9 +64,9 @@ var MyNode = {
   // REQUIRED: Define input ports
   inputs: {
     inputName: {
-      type: 'string',           // See "Port Types" section below
+      type: 'string', // See "Port Types" section below
       displayName: 'Input Name',
-      group: 'General',         // Group in property panel
+      group: 'General', // Group in property panel
       default: 'default value'
     },
     doAction: {
@@ -146,7 +146,7 @@ function registerNodes(noodlRuntime) {
     // ... existing nodes ...
 
     // Add your new node
-    require('./src/nodes/std-library/data/mynode'),
+    require('./src/nodes/std-library/data/mynode')
 
     // ... more nodes ...
   ].forEach((node) => noodlRuntime.registerNode(node));
@@ -174,10 +174,10 @@ const coreNodes = [
       // ... other subcategories ...
       {
         name: 'External Data',
-        items: ['net.noodl.MyNode', 'REST2']  // Add your node name here
+        items: ['net.noodl.MyNode', 'REST2'] // Add your node name here
       }
     ]
-  },
+  }
   // ... more categories ...
 ];
 ```
@@ -188,24 +188,24 @@ const coreNodes = [
 
 ### Common Input/Output Types
 
-| Type | Description | Example Use |
-|------|-------------|-------------|
-| `string` | Text value | URLs, names, content |
-| `number` | Numeric value | Counts, sizes, coordinates |
-| `boolean` | True/false | Toggles, conditions |
-| `signal` | Trigger without data | Action buttons, events |
-| `object` | JSON object | API responses, data structures |
-| `array` | List of items | Collections, results |
-| `color` | Color value | Styling |
-| `*` | Any type | Generic ports |
+| Type      | Description          | Example Use                    |
+| --------- | -------------------- | ------------------------------ |
+| `string`  | Text value           | URLs, names, content           |
+| `number`  | Numeric value        | Counts, sizes, coordinates     |
+| `boolean` | True/false           | Toggles, conditions            |
+| `signal`  | Trigger without data | Action buttons, events         |
+| `object`  | JSON object          | API responses, data structures |
+| `array`   | List of items        | Collections, results           |
+| `color`   | Color value          | Styling                        |
+| `*`       | Any type             | Generic ports                  |
 
 ### Input-Specific Types
 
-| Type | Description |
-|------|-------------|
-| `{ name: 'enum', enums: [...] }` | Dropdown selection |
-| `{ name: 'stringlist' }` | List of strings (comma-separated) |
-| `{ name: 'number', min, max }` | Number with constraints |
+| Type                             | Description                       |
+| -------------------------------- | --------------------------------- |
+| `{ name: 'enum', enums: [...] }` | Dropdown selection                |
+| `{ name: 'stringlist' }`         | List of strings (comma-separated) |
+| `{ name: 'number', min, max }`   | Number with constraints           |
 
 ### Example Enum Input
 
@@ -394,6 +394,348 @@ getInspectInfo() {
 
 ---
 
+## ⚠️ CRITICAL GOTCHAS - READ BEFORE CREATING NODES
+
+These issues will cause silent failures with NO error messages. They were discovered during the HTTP node debugging session (December 2024) and cost hours of debugging time.
+
+---
+
+### 🔴 GOTCHA #1: Never Override `setInputValue` in prototypeExtensions
+
+**THE BUG:**
+
+```javascript
+// ❌ DEADLY - This silently breaks ALL signal inputs
+prototypeExtensions: {
+  setInputValue: function (name, value) {
+    this._internal.inputValues[name] = value;  // Signal setters NEVER called!
+  }
+}
+```
+
+**WHY IT BREAKS:**
+
+- `prototypeExtensions.setInputValue` **completely overrides** `Node.prototype.setInputValue`
+- The base method contains `input.set.call(this, value)` which triggers signal callbacks
+- Without it, signals never fire - NO errors, just silent failure
+
+**THE FIX:**
+
+```javascript
+// ✅ SAFE - Use a different method name for storing dynamic values
+prototypeExtensions: {
+  _storeInputValue: function (name, value) {
+    this._internal.inputValues[name] = value;
+  },
+
+  registerInputIfNeeded: function (name) {
+    // Register dynamic inputs with _storeInputValue, not setInputValue
+    if (name.startsWith('body-')) {
+      return this.registerInput(name, {
+        set: this._storeInputValue.bind(this, name)
+      });
+    }
+  }
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### 🔴 GOTCHA #2: Dynamic Ports REPLACE Static Ports
+
+**THE BUG:**
+
+```javascript
+// Node has static inputs defined in inputs: {}
+inputs: {
+  url: { type: 'string', set: function(v) {...} },
+  fetch: { type: 'signal', valueChangedToTrue: function() {...} }
+},
+
+// But setup function only sends dynamic ports
+function updatePorts(nodeId, parameters, editorConnection) {
+  const ports = [
+    { name: 'headers', ... },
+    { name: 'queryParams', ... }
+  ];
+  // ❌ MISSING url, fetch - they won't appear in editor!
+  editorConnection.sendDynamicPorts(nodeId, ports);
+}
+```
+
+**WHY IT BREAKS:**
+
+- `sendDynamicPorts()` tells the editor "these are ALL the ports for this node"
+- Static `inputs` are NOT automatically merged
+- The editor only shows dynamic ports, connections to static ports fail
+
+**THE FIX:**
+
+```javascript
+// ✅ SAFE - Include ALL ports in dynamic ports array
+function updatePorts(nodeId, parameters, editorConnection) {
+  const ports = [];
+
+  // Dynamic configuration ports
+  ports.push({ name: 'headers', type: {...}, plug: 'input' });
+  ports.push({ name: 'queryParams', type: {...}, plug: 'input' });
+
+  // MUST include static ports too!
+  ports.push({ name: 'url', type: 'string', plug: 'input', group: 'Request' });
+  ports.push({ name: 'fetch', type: 'signal', plug: 'input', group: 'Actions' });
+  ports.push({ name: 'cancel', type: 'signal', plug: 'input', group: 'Actions' });
+
+  // Include outputs too
+  ports.push({ name: 'success', type: 'signal', plug: 'output', group: 'Events' });
+
+  editorConnection.sendDynamicPorts(nodeId, ports);
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### 🔴 GOTCHA #3: Configuration Inputs Need Explicit Registration
+
+**THE BUG:**
+
+```javascript
+// Dynamic ports send method, bodyType, etc. to editor
+ports.push({ name: 'method', type: { name: 'enum', ... } });
+ports.push({ name: 'bodyType', type: { name: 'enum', ... } });
+
+// ❌ Values never reach runtime - no setter registered!
+// User selects POST in editor, but doFetch() always uses GET
+doFetch: function() {
+  const method = this._internal.method || 'GET';  // Always undefined!
+}
+```
+
+**WHY IT BREAKS:**
+
+- Dynamic port values are sent to runtime as input values via `setInputValue`
+- But `registerInputIfNeeded` is only called for ports not in static `inputs`
+- If there's no setter, the value is lost
+
+**THE FIX:**
+
+```javascript
+// ✅ SAFE - Register setters for all config inputs
+prototypeExtensions: {
+  // Setter methods
+  setMethod: function (value) { this._internal.method = value || 'GET'; },
+  setBodyType: function (value) { this._internal.bodyType = value; },
+  setHeaders: function (value) { this._internal.headers = value || ''; },
+
+  registerInputIfNeeded: function (name) {
+    if (this.hasInput(name)) return;
+
+    // Configuration inputs - bind to their setters
+    const configSetters = {
+      method: this.setMethod.bind(this),
+      bodyType: this.setBodyType.bind(this),
+      headers: this.setHeaders.bind(this),
+      timeout: this.setTimeout.bind(this)
+    };
+
+    if (configSetters[name]) {
+      return this.registerInput(name, { set: configSetters[name] });
+    }
+
+    // Dynamic inputs for prefixed ports
+    if (name.startsWith('body-') || name.startsWith('header-')) {
+      return this.registerInput(name, {
+        set: this._storeInputValue.bind(this, name)
+      });
+    }
+  }
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### 🔴 GOTCHA #4: Signal Inputs Use `valueChangedToTrue`, Not `set`
+
+**THE BUG:**
+
+```javascript
+// ❌ WRONG - This won't trigger on signal
+inputs: {
+  fetch: {
+    type: 'signal',
+    set: function() {
+      this.doFetch();  // Never called!
+    }
+  }
+}
+```
+
+**WHY IT BREAKS:**
+
+- Signal inputs don't use `set` - they use `valueChangedToTrue`
+- The runtime wraps signals with `EdgeTriggeredInput.createSetter()` which tracks state transitions
+- Signals only fire on FALSE → TRUE transition
+
+**THE FIX:**
+
+```javascript
+// ✅ CORRECT - Use valueChangedToTrue for signals
+inputs: {
+  fetch: {
+    type: 'signal',
+    displayName: 'Fetch',
+    group: 'Actions',
+    valueChangedToTrue: function () {
+      this.scheduleFetch();
+    }
+  },
+  cancel: {
+    type: 'signal',
+    displayName: 'Cancel',
+    group: 'Actions',
+    valueChangedToTrue: function () {
+      this.cancelFetch();
+    }
+  }
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+### 🔴 GOTCHA #5: Node Registration Path Matters
+
+**THE BUG:**
+
+- Nodes in `noodl-runtime/noodl-runtime.js` → Go through `defineNode()`
+- Nodes in `noodl-viewer-react/register-nodes.js` → Go through `defineNode()`
+- Raw node object passed directly → Does NOT go through `defineNode()`
+
+**WHY IT MATTERS:**
+
+- `defineNode()` in `nodedefinition.js` wraps signal inputs with `EdgeTriggeredInput.createSetter()`
+- Without `defineNode()`, signals are registered but never fire
+- The `{node, setup}` export format automatically calls `defineNode()`
+
+**THE FIX:**
+
+```javascript
+// ✅ CORRECT - Always export with {node, setup} format
+module.exports = {
+  node: MyNode, // Goes through defineNode()
+  setup: function (context, graphModel) {
+    // Dynamic port setup
+  }
+};
+
+// ✅ ALSO CORRECT - Call defineNode explicitly
+const NodeDefinition = require('./nodedefinition');
+module.exports = NodeDefinition.defineNode(MyNode);
+```
+
+---
+
+## Complete Working Pattern (HTTP Node Reference)
+
+Here's the proven pattern from the HTTP node that handles all gotchas:
+
+```javascript
+var MyNode = {
+  name: 'net.noodl.MyNode',
+  displayNodeName: 'My Node',
+  category: 'Data',
+  color: 'data',
+
+  initialize: function () {
+    this._internal.inputValues = {};  // For dynamic input storage
+    this._internal.method = 'GET';     // Config defaults
+  },
+
+  // Static inputs - signals and essential ports
+  inputs: {
+    url: {
+      type: 'string',
+      set: function (value) { this._internal.url = value; }
+    },
+    fetch: {
+      type: 'signal',
+      valueChangedToTrue: function () { this.scheduleFetch(); }
+    }
+  },
+
+  outputs: {
+    response: { type: '*', getter: function() { return this._internal.response; } },
+    success: { type: 'signal' },
+    failure: { type: 'signal' }
+  },
+
+  prototypeExtensions: {
+    // Store dynamic values WITHOUT overriding setInputValue
+    _storeInputValue: function (name, value) {
+      this._internal.inputValues[name] = value;
+    },
+
+    // Configuration setters
+    setMethod: function (value) { this._internal.method = value || 'GET'; },
+    setHeaders: function (value) { this._internal.headers = value || ''; },
+
+    // Register ALL dynamic inputs
+    registerInputIfNeeded: function (name) {
+      if (this.hasInput(name)) return;
+
+      // Config inputs
+      const configSetters = {
+        method: this.setMethod.bind(this),
+        headers: this.setHeaders.bind(this)
+      };
+      if (configSetters[name]) {
+        return this.registerInput(name, { set: configSetters[name] });
+      }
+
+      // Prefixed dynamic inputs
+      if (name.startsWith('header-') || name.startsWith('body-')) {
+        return this.registerInput(name, {
+          set: this._storeInputValue.bind(this, name)
+        });
+      }
+    },
+
+    scheduleFetch: function () {
+      this.scheduleAfterInputsHaveUpdated(this.doFetch.bind(this));
+    },
+
+    doFetch: function () {
+      const method = this._internal.method;  // Now correctly captured!
+      // ... fetch implementation
+    }
+  }
+};
+
+module.exports = {
+  node: MyNode,
+  setup: function (context, graphModel) {
+    function updatePorts(nodeId, parameters, editorConnection) {
+      const ports = [];
+
+      // Config ports
+      ports.push({ name: 'method', type: { name: 'enum', enums: [...] }, plug: 'input' });
+      ports.push({ name: 'headers', type: { name: 'stringlist' }, plug: 'input' });
+
+      // MUST include static ports!
+      ports.push({ name: 'url', type: 'string', plug: 'input' });
+      ports.push({ name: 'fetch', type: 'signal', plug: 'input' });
+
+      // Outputs
+      ports.push({ name: 'response', type: '*', plug: 'output' });
+      ports.push({ name: 'success', type: 'signal', plug: 'output' });
+
+      editorConnection.sendDynamicPorts(nodeId, ports);
+    }
+    // ... rest of setup
+  }
+};
+```
+
+---
+
 ## Common Issues
 
 ### Node Not Appearing in Node Picker
@@ -416,9 +758,13 @@ getInspectInfo() {
 
 ### Signal Not Firing
 
-**Cause:** Method name doesn't match pattern `inputName + 'Trigger'`.
+**Cause #1:** Method name pattern wrong - use `valueChangedToTrue`, not `inputName + 'Trigger'`.
 
-**Fix:** Ensure signal handler method is named correctly (e.g., `fetchTrigger` for input `fetch`).
+**Cause #2:** Custom `setInputValue` overriding base - see GOTCHA #1.
+
+**Cause #3:** Signal not in dynamic ports - see GOTCHA #2.
+
+**Fix:** Review ALL gotchas above!
 
 ---
 
@@ -437,14 +783,14 @@ getInspectInfo() {
 
 When creating new nodes, reference these existing nodes for patterns:
 
-| Node | File | Good Example Of |
-|------|------|-----------------|
-| REST | `data/restnode.js` | Full-featured data node with scripts |
-| HTTP | `data/httpnode.js` | Dynamic ports, configuration |
-| String | `variables/string.js` | Simple variable node |
-| Counter | `counter.js` | Stateful logic node |
-| Condition | `condition.js` | Boolean logic |
+| Node      | File                  | Good Example Of                      |
+| --------- | --------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
+| REST      | `data/restnode.js`    | Full-featured data node with scripts |
+| HTTP      | `data/httpnode.js`    | Dynamic ports, configuration         |
+| String    | `variables/string.js` | Simple variable node                 |
+| Counter   | `counter.js`          | Stateful logic node                  |
+| Condition | `condition.js`        | Boolean logic                        |
 
 ---
 
-*Last Updated: December 2024*
+_Last Updated: December 2024_

dev-docs/reference/LEARNINGS.md

@@ -852,6 +852,145 @@ const handleTreeMouseUp = useCallback(() => {
 
 ---
 
+## 🔥 CRITICAL: Runtime Node Creation - The Unholy Trinity of Silent Failures (Dec 2025)
+
+### The HTTP Node Debugging Saga: 3+ Hours of Silent Failures
+
+**Context**: Creating an HTTP node (httpnode.js) as a modern, no-code-friendly alternative to the script-based REST node. Everything looked correct but nothing worked. Signals never fired, config values never set, and no errors anywhere.
+
+**The Problems Found** (each took significant debugging time):
+
+#### Problem 1: Signal Input Using `set` Instead of `valueChangedToTrue`
+
+```javascript
+// ❌ WHAT I WROTE (never triggers)
+inputs: {
+  fetch: {
+    type: 'signal',
+    set: function(value) {
+      this.scheduleFetch();  // ☠️ Never called
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+// ✅ WHAT IT SHOULD BE
+inputs: {
+  fetch: {
+    type: 'signal',
+    valueChangedToTrue: function() {
+      this.scheduleFetch();  // ✓ Works!
+    }
+  }
+}
+```
+
+**Why**: Signals use `EdgeTriggeredInput.createSetter()` which wraps the callback and only calls `valueChangedToTrue` when value transitions from falsy to truthy. The `set` callback is never used.
+
+#### Problem 2: Custom `setInputValue` Overriding Base Method
+
+```javascript
+// ❌ WHAT I WROTE (breaks ALL inputs including signals)
+prototypeExtensions: {
+  setInputValue: function(name, value) {
+    this._internal.inputValues[name] = value;  // ☠️ Overrides Node.prototype.setInputValue
+  }
+}
+
+// ✅ WHAT IT SHOULD BE
+prototypeExtensions: {
+  _storeInputValue: function(name, value) {  // Different name!
+    this._internal.inputValues[name] = value;
+  }
+}
+```
+
+**Why**: `prototypeExtensions` methods are merged into node prototype. Defining `setInputValue` completely replaces the base implementation, which handles signal detection, input.set() calls, and event emission.
+
+#### Problem 3: Dynamic Ports Replacing Static Ports
+
+```javascript
+// ❌ WHAT I WROTE (static ports disappear)
+function updatePorts(nodeId, parameters, editorConnection) {
+  const ports = [];
+  // Only add dynamic header/query param ports...
+  if (parameters.headers) { /* add header ports */ }
+  editorConnection.sendDynamicPorts(nodeId, ports);  // Static inputs GONE!
+}
+
+// ✅ WHAT IT SHOULD BE
+function updatePorts(nodeId, parameters, editorConnection) {
+  const ports = [
+    // Re-add ALL static inputs
+    { name: 'url', displayName: 'URL', type: 'string', plug: 'input', group: 'Request' },
+    { name: 'fetch', displayName: 'Fetch', type: 'signal', plug: 'input', group: 'Actions' },
+    { name: 'cancel', displayName: 'Cancel', type: 'signal', plug: 'input', group: 'Actions' },
+    // Then dynamic ports...
+  ];
+  editorConnection.sendDynamicPorts(nodeId, ports);
+}
+```
+
+**Why**: `sendDynamicPorts` REPLACES all ports, not merges. The `inputs` object in node definition is only for default setup - once dynamic ports are sent, they're the only ports.
+
+#### Problem 4: Config Inputs (StringList/Enum) Need Explicit Registration
+
+```javascript
+// ❌ MISSING (config values never reach setters)
+// StringList inputs like "headers", "queryParams" appear in editor but their
+// values never reach the node because there's no registered input handler
+
+// ✅ WHAT IT NEEDS
+registerInputIfNeeded: function(name) {
+  if (this.hasInput(name)) return;
+
+  const configSetters = {
+    'method': this.setMethod.bind(this),
+    'headers': this.setHeaders.bind(this),
+    'queryParams': this.setQueryParams.bind(this),
+    'bodyType': this.setBodyType.bind(this),
+    // ... all config inputs
+  };
+
+  if (configSetters[name]) {
+    return this.registerInput(name, { set: configSetters[name] });
+  }
+
+  // Dynamic inputs (header-X, query-Y, etc.)
+  if (name.startsWith('header-')) {
+    return this.registerInput(name, {
+      set: this._storeInputValue.bind(this, name)
+    });
+  }
+}
+```
+
+**Why**: Inputs defined in the `inputs` object get registered automatically. Dynamic ports don't - they need `registerInputIfNeeded` to create runtime handlers.
+
+**Why This Was So Hard to Debug**:
+
+1. **No errors** - Everything appeared to work, logs said "success", but nothing happened
+2. **Partial success** - Some things worked (node appeared in palette) making it seem close
+3. **Multiple bugs** - Each fix revealed the next bug, each taking time to diagnose
+4. **No TypeScript** - Runtime code is JS, no compile-time checking
+5. **Unfamiliar patterns** - `valueChangedToTrue`, `registerInputIfNeeded`, etc. aren't obvious
+
+**Time Lost**: 3+ hours debugging what should have been a straightforward node
+
+**Prevention**:
+
+- Created `dev-docs/reference/LEARNINGS-NODE-CREATION.md` with Critical Gotchas section
+- Added Node Creation Checklist to `.clinerules` Section 14
+- These gotchas are now documented with THE BUG / WHY IT BREAKS / THE FIX patterns
+
+**Location**:
+
+- `packages/noodl-runtime/src/nodes/std-library/data/httpnode.js` (fixed)
+- `dev-docs/reference/LEARNINGS-NODE-CREATION.md` (new documentation)
+
+**Keywords**: node creation, signal, valueChangedToTrue, setInputValue, prototypeExtensions, sendDynamicPorts, registerInputIfNeeded, stringlist, enum, config inputs, HTTP node, runtime
+
+---
+
 ## 🔥 CRITICAL: PopupLayer.dragCompleted() - Not endDrag() (Dec 2025)
 
 ### Wrong Method Name Causes TypeError

packages/noodl-editor/src/editor/src/views/panels/ComponentsPanelNew/components/ComponentItem.tsx

@@ -116,10 +116,14 @@ export function ComponentItem({
       // If this item is a valid drop target, execute the drop
       if (isDropTarget && onDrop) {
         e.stopPropagation(); // Prevent bubble to Tree (for root drop fallback)
+
+        // End drag IMMEDIATELY at event handler level (before action chain)
+        // This matches the working root drop pattern
+        PopupLayer.instance.dragCompleted();
+
         const node: TreeNode = { type: 'component', data: component };
         onDrop(node);
         setIsDropTarget(false);
-        // Note: dragCompleted() is called by handleDropOn - don't call it here
       }
     },
     [isDropTarget, component, onDrop]

packages/noodl-editor/src/editor/src/views/panels/ComponentsPanelNew/components/FolderItem.tsx

@@ -111,10 +111,14 @@ export function FolderItem({
       // If this folder is a valid drop target, execute the drop
       if (isDropTarget && onDrop) {
         e.stopPropagation(); // Prevent bubble to Tree (for root drop fallback)
+
+        // End drag IMMEDIATELY at event handler level (before action chain)
+        // This matches the working root drop pattern
+        PopupLayer.instance.dragCompleted();
+
         const node: TreeNode = { type: 'folder', data: folder };
         onDrop(node);
         setIsDropTarget(false);
-        // Note: dragCompleted() is called by handleDropOn - don't call it here
       }
     },
     [isDropTarget, folder, onDrop]

packages/noodl-editor/src/editor/src/views/panels/ComponentsPanelNew/hooks/useComponentActions.ts

@@ -523,15 +523,12 @@ export function useComponentActions() {
       // Check for naming conflicts
       if (ProjectModel.instance?.getComponentWithName(newName)) {
         alert(`Component "${newName}" already exists in that folder`);
-        PopupLayer.instance.dragCompleted();
         return;
       }
 
       const oldName = component.name;
 
-      // End drag operation FIRST - before the rename triggers a re-render
-      // This prevents the drag state from persisting across the tree rebuild
-      PopupLayer.instance.dragCompleted();
+      // Note: dragCompleted() now called by ComponentItem.handleMouseUp before this action
 
       UndoQueue.instance.pushAndDo(
         new UndoActionGroup({
@@ -554,7 +551,6 @@ export function useComponentActions() {
       // Prevent moving folder into itself
       if (targetPath.startsWith(sourcePath + '/') || targetPath === sourcePath) {
         alert('Cannot move folder into itself');
-        PopupLayer.instance.dragCompleted();
         return;
       }
 
@@ -565,7 +561,6 @@ export function useComponentActions() {
 
       if (!componentsToMove || componentsToMove.length === 0) {
         console.log('Folder is empty, nothing to move');
-        PopupLayer.instance.dragCompleted();
         return;
       }
 
@@ -584,8 +579,7 @@ export function useComponentActions() {
         renames.push({ component: comp, oldName: comp.name, newName });
       });
 
-      // End drag operation FIRST - before the rename triggers a re-render
-      PopupLayer.instance.dragCompleted();
+      // Note: dragCompleted() now called by FolderItem.handleMouseUp before this action
 
       UndoQueue.instance.pushAndDo(
         new UndoActionGroup({
@@ -612,14 +606,12 @@ export function useComponentActions() {
       // Check for naming conflicts
       if (ProjectModel.instance?.getComponentWithName(newName)) {
         alert(`Component "${newName}" already exists`);
-        PopupLayer.instance.dragCompleted();
         return;
       }
 
       const oldName = component.name;
 
-      // End drag operation FIRST - before the rename triggers a re-render
-      PopupLayer.instance.dragCompleted();
+      // Note: dragCompleted() now called by ComponentItem.handleMouseUp before this action
 
       UndoQueue.instance.pushAndDo(
         new UndoActionGroup({
@@ -646,7 +638,6 @@ export function useComponentActions() {
 
       if (!componentsToMove || componentsToMove.length === 0) {
         console.log('Folder is empty, nothing to move');
-        PopupLayer.instance.dragCompleted();
         return;
       }
 
@@ -670,12 +661,10 @@ export function useComponentActions() {
 
       if (hasConflict) {
         alert(`Some components would conflict with existing names`);
-        PopupLayer.instance.dragCompleted();
         return;
       }
 
-      // End drag operation FIRST - before the rename triggers a re-render
-      PopupLayer.instance.dragCompleted();
+      // Note: dragCompleted() now called by ComponentItem.handleMouseUp before this action
 
       UndoQueue.instance.pushAndDo(
         new UndoActionGroup({

packages/noodl-editor/src/editor/src/views/panels/propertyeditor/DataTypes/StringList/stringlist.js

@@ -3,11 +3,26 @@ import StringListTemplate from '../../../../../templates/propertyeditor/stringli
 import PopupLayer from '../../../../popuplayer';
 import { ToastLayer } from '../../../../ToastLayer/ToastLayer';
 
+// Helper to normalize list input - handles both string and array formats
+function normalizeList(value) {
+  if (value === undefined || value === null || value === '') {
+    return [];
+  }
+  if (Array.isArray(value)) {
+    // Already an array (legacy proplist data) - extract labels if objects
+    return value.map((item) => (typeof item === 'object' && item.label ? item.label : String(item)));
+  }
+  if (typeof value === 'string') {
+    return value.split(',').filter(Boolean);
+  }
+  return [];
+}
+
 var StringList = function (args) {
   View.call(this);
 
   this.parent = args.parent;
-  this.list = args.list !== undefined && args.list !== '' ? args.list.split(',') : [];
+  this.list = normalizeList(args.list);
   this.type = args.type;
   this.plug = args.plug;
   this.title = args.title;
@@ -32,7 +47,7 @@ StringList.prototype.listUpdated = function () {
   if (this.onUpdate) {
     var updated = this.onUpdate(this.list.join(','));
     if (updated) {
-      this.list = updated.value ? updated.value.split(',') : [];
+      this.list = normalizeList(updated.value);
       this.isDefault = updated.isDefault;
     }
   }

packages/noodl-runtime/noodl-runtime.js

@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ function registerNodes(noodlRuntime) {
 
     // Data
     require('./src/nodes/std-library/data/restnode'),
-    require('./src/nodes/std-library/data/httpnode'),
+    // require('./src/nodes/std-library/data/httpnode'), // moved to viewer for debugging
 
     // Custom code
     require('./src/nodes/std-library/expression'),

packages/noodl-runtime/src/edgetriggeredinput.js

@@ -1,19 +1,22 @@
-"use strict";
+'use strict';
 
 function createSetter(args) {
+  console.log('[EdgeTriggeredInput] 🔧 createSetter called for signal input');
 
-    var currentValue = false;
+  var currentValue = false;
 
-    return function(value) {
-        value = value ? true : false;
-        //value changed from false to true
-        if(value && currentValue === false) {
-            args.valueChangedToTrue.call(this);
-        }
-        currentValue = value;
-    };
+  return function (value) {
+    console.log('[EdgeTriggeredInput] ⚡ setter called with value:', value, 'currentValue:', currentValue);
+    value = value ? true : false;
+    //value changed from false to true
+    if (value && currentValue === false) {
+      console.log('[EdgeTriggeredInput] ✅ Triggering valueChangedToTrue!');
+      args.valueChangedToTrue.call(this);
+    }
+    currentValue = value;
+  };
 }
 
 module.exports = {
-    createSetter: createSetter
+  createSetter: createSetter
 };

packages/noodl-runtime/src/node.js

@@ -84,12 +84,22 @@ Node.prototype.registerInputIfNeeded = function () {
 };
 
 Node.prototype.setInputValue = function (name, value) {
+  // DEBUG: Track input value setting for HTTP node
+  if (this.name === 'net.noodl.HTTP') {
+    console.log('[Node.setInputValue] 🎯 HTTP node setting input:', name, 'value:', value);
+  }
+
   const input = this.getInput(name);
   if (!input) {
-    console.log("node doesn't have input", name);
+    console.log("node doesn't have input", name, 'for node:', this.name);
     return;
   }
 
+  // DEBUG: Track if setter exists
+  if (this.name === 'net.noodl.HTTP' && name === 'fetch') {
+    console.log('[Node.setInputValue] 🎯 HTTP fetch input found, calling setter');
+  }
+
   //inputs with units always expect objects in the shape of {value, unit, ...}
   //these inputs might sometimes get raw numbers without units, and in those cases
   //Noodl should just update the value and not the other parameters

packages/noodl-runtime/src/nodedefinition.js

@@ -200,6 +200,7 @@ function defineNode(opts) {
     Object.keys(opts.inputs).forEach(function (name) {
       var input = opts.inputs[name];
       if (input.valueChangedToTrue) {
+        console.log('[NodeDefinition] 📌 Registering signal input:', name, 'for node:', opts.name);
         node._inputs[name] = {
           set: EdgeTriggeredInput.createSetter({
             valueChangedToTrue: input.valueChangedToTrue

packages/noodl-runtime/src/nodes/std-library/data/httpnode.js

@@ -19,6 +19,9 @@
 
 // Note: This file uses CommonJS module format to match the noodl-runtime pattern
 
+// DEBUG: Confirm module is loaded
+console.log('[HTTP Node Module] 📦 httpnode.js MODULE LOADED');
+
 /**
  * Extract value from object using JSONPath-like syntax
  * Supports: $.data.users, $.items[0].name, $.meta.pagination.total
@@ -88,12 +91,13 @@ var HttpNode = {
   searchTags: ['http', 'request', 'fetch', 'api', 'rest', 'curl'],
 
   initialize: function () {
+    console.log('[HTTP Node] 🚀 INITIALIZE called - node instance created');
     this._internal.inputValues = {};
     this._internal.outputValues = {};
-    this._internal.headers = [];
-    this._internal.queryParams = [];
-    this._internal.bodyFields = [];
-    this._internal.responseMapping = [];
+    this._internal.headers = '';
+    this._internal.queryParams = '';
+    this._internal.bodyFields = '';
+    this._internal.responseMapping = '';
     this._internal.inspectData = null;
   },
 
@@ -105,6 +109,7 @@ var HttpNode = {
   },
 
   inputs: {
+    // Static inputs - these don't need to trigger port regeneration
     url: {
       type: 'string',
       displayName: 'URL',
@@ -114,40 +119,12 @@ var HttpNode = {
         this._internal.url = value;
       }
     },
-    method: {
-      type: {
-        name: 'enum',
-        enums: [
-          { label: 'GET', value: 'GET' },
-          { label: 'POST', value: 'POST' },
-          { label: 'PUT', value: 'PUT' },
-          { label: 'PATCH', value: 'PATCH' },
-          { label: 'DELETE', value: 'DELETE' },
-          { label: 'HEAD', value: 'HEAD' },
-          { label: 'OPTIONS', value: 'OPTIONS' }
-        ]
-      },
-      displayName: 'Method',
-      group: 'Request',
-      default: 'GET',
-      set: function (value) {
-        this._internal.method = value;
-      }
-    },
-    timeout: {
-      type: 'number',
-      displayName: 'Timeout (ms)',
-      group: 'Request',
-      default: 30000,
-      set: function (value) {
-        this._internal.timeout = value;
-      }
-    },
     fetch: {
       type: 'signal',
       displayName: 'Fetch',
       group: 'Actions',
       valueChangedToTrue: function () {
+        console.log('[HTTP Node] ⚡ FETCH SIGNAL RECEIVED - valueChangedToTrue triggered!');
         this.scheduleFetch();
       }
     },
@@ -159,6 +136,7 @@ var HttpNode = {
         this.cancelFetch();
       }
     }
+    // Note: method, timeout, and config ports are now dynamic (in updatePorts)
   },
 
   outputs: {
@@ -212,7 +190,9 @@ var HttpNode = {
   },
 
   prototypeExtensions: {
-    setInputValue: function (name, value) {
+    // Store values for dynamic inputs only - static inputs (including signals)
+    // use the base Node.prototype.setInputValue which calls input.set()
+    _storeInputValue: function (name, value) {
       this._internal.inputValues[name] = value;
     },
 
@@ -233,25 +213,45 @@ var HttpNode = {
     registerInputIfNeeded: function (name) {
       if (this.hasInput(name)) return;
 
-      // Dynamic inputs for path params, headers, query params, body fields, auth
-      const inputSetters = {
-        path: this.setInputValue.bind(this),
-        header: this.setInputValue.bind(this),
-        query: this.setInputValue.bind(this),
-        body: this.setInputValue.bind(this),
-        auth: this.setInputValue.bind(this)
+      // Configuration inputs - these set internal state
+      const configSetters = {
+        method: this.setMethod.bind(this),
+        timeout: this.setTimeout.bind(this),
+        headers: this.setHeaders.bind(this),
+        queryParams: this.setQueryParams.bind(this),
+        bodyType: this.setBodyType.bind(this),
+        bodyFields: this.setBodyFields.bind(this),
+        authType: this.setAuthType.bind(this),
+        responseMapping: this.setResponseMapping.bind(this)
       };
 
-      for (const [prefix, setter] of Object.entries(inputSetters)) {
-        if (name.startsWith(prefix + '-')) {
-          return this.registerInput(name, { set: setter.bind(this, name) });
+      if (configSetters[name]) {
+        return this.registerInput(name, {
+          set: configSetters[name]
+        });
+      }
+
+      // Dynamic inputs for path params, headers, query params, body fields, auth, mapping paths
+      // These use _storeInputValue to just store values (no signal trigger needed)
+      const dynamicPrefixes = ['path-', 'header-', 'query-', 'body-', 'auth-', 'mapping-path-'];
+
+      for (const prefix of dynamicPrefixes) {
+        if (name.startsWith(prefix)) {
+          return this.registerInput(name, {
+            set: this._storeInputValue.bind(this, name)
+          });
         }
       }
     },
 
     scheduleFetch: function () {
-      if (this._internal.hasScheduledFetch) return;
+      console.log('[HTTP Node] scheduleFetch called');
+      if (this._internal.hasScheduledFetch) {
+        console.log('[HTTP Node] Already scheduled, skipping');
+        return;
+      }
       this._internal.hasScheduledFetch = true;
+      console.log('[HTTP Node] Scheduling doFetch after inputs update');
       this.scheduleAfterInputsHaveUpdated(this.doFetch.bind(this));
     },
 
@@ -278,12 +278,16 @@ var HttpNode = {
       // Add query parameters
       const queryParams = {};
 
-      // From visual config
+      // From visual config (stringlist format)
       if (this._internal.queryParams) {
-        for (const qp of this._internal.queryParams) {
-          const value = this._internal.inputValues['query-' + qp.key];
+        const queryList = this._internal.queryParams
+          .split(',')
+          .map((q) => q.trim())
+          .filter(Boolean);
+        for (const qp of queryList) {
+          const value = this._internal.inputValues['query-' + qp];
           if (value !== undefined && value !== null && value !== '') {
-            queryParams[qp.key] = value;
+            queryParams[qp] = value;
           }
         }
       }
@@ -312,12 +316,16 @@ var HttpNode = {
     buildHeaders: function () {
       const headers = {};
 
-      // From visual config
+      // From visual config (stringlist format)
       if (this._internal.headers) {
-        for (const h of this._internal.headers) {
-          const value = this._internal.inputValues['header-' + h.key];
+        const headerList = this._internal.headers
+          .split(',')
+          .map((h) => h.trim())
+          .filter(Boolean);
+        for (const h of headerList) {
+          const value = this._internal.inputValues['header-' + h];
           if (value !== undefined && value !== null) {
-            headers[h.key] = String(value);
+            headers[h] = String(value);
           }
         }
       }
@@ -341,32 +349,38 @@ var HttpNode = {
       }
 
       const bodyType = this._internal.bodyType || 'json';
-      const bodyFields = this._internal.bodyFields || [];
+      const bodyFieldsStr = this._internal.bodyFields || '';
+
+      // Parse stringlist format
+      const bodyFields = bodyFieldsStr
+        .split(',')
+        .map((f) => f.trim())
+        .filter(Boolean);
 
       if (bodyType === 'json') {
         const body = {};
         for (const field of bodyFields) {
-          const value = this._internal.inputValues['body-' + field.key];
+          const value = this._internal.inputValues['body-' + field];
           if (value !== undefined) {
-            body[field.key] = value;
+            body[field] = value;
           }
         }
         return Object.keys(body).length > 0 ? JSON.stringify(body) : undefined;
       } else if (bodyType === 'form') {
         const formData = new FormData();
         for (const field of bodyFields) {
-          const value = this._internal.inputValues['body-' + field.key];
+          const value = this._internal.inputValues['body-' + field];
           if (value !== undefined && value !== null) {
-            formData.append(field.key, value);
+            formData.append(field, value);
           }
         }
         return formData;
       } else if (bodyType === 'urlencoded') {
         const params = new URLSearchParams();
         for (const field of bodyFields) {
-          const value = this._internal.inputValues['body-' + field.key];
+          const value = this._internal.inputValues['body-' + field];
           if (value !== undefined && value !== null) {
-            params.append(field.key, String(value));
+            params.append(field, String(value));
           }
         }
         return params.toString();
@@ -390,10 +404,20 @@ var HttpNode = {
       this._internal.responseHeaders = responseHeaders;
 
       // Process response mappings
-      const mappings = this._internal.responseMapping || [];
-      for (const mapping of mappings) {
-        const outputName = 'out-' + mapping.name;
-        const value = extractByPath(responseBody, mapping.path);
+      // Output names are in responseMapping (comma-separated)
+      // Path for each output is in inputValues['mapping-path-{name}']
+      const mappingStr = this._internal.responseMapping || '';
+      const outputNames = mappingStr
+        .split(',')
+        .map((m) => m.trim())
+        .filter(Boolean);
+
+      for (const name of outputNames) {
+        // Get the path from the corresponding input port
+        const path = this._internal.inputValues['mapping-path-' + name] || '$';
+
+        const outputName = 'out-' + name;
+        const value = extractByPath(responseBody, path);
 
         this.registerOutputIfNeeded(outputName);
         this._internal.outputValues[outputName] = value;
@@ -415,6 +439,7 @@ var HttpNode = {
     },
 
     doFetch: function () {
+      console.log('[HTTP Node] doFetch executing');
       this._internal.hasScheduledFetch = false;
 
       const url = this.buildUrl();
@@ -423,11 +448,20 @@ var HttpNode = {
       const body = this.buildBody();
       const timeout = this._internal.timeout || 30000;
 
+      console.log('[HTTP Node] Request details:', {
+        url,
+        method,
+        headers,
+        body: body ? '(has body)' : '(no body)',
+        timeout
+      });
+
       // Store for inspect
       this._internal.lastRequestUrl = url;
 
       // Validate URL
       if (!url) {
+        console.log('[HTTP Node] No URL provided, sending failure');
         this._internal.error = 'URL is required';
         this.flagOutputDirty('error');
         this.sendSignalOnOutput('failure');
@@ -503,11 +537,11 @@ var HttpNode = {
 
     // Configuration setters called from setup function
     setHeaders: function (value) {
-      this._internal.headers = value || [];
+      this._internal.headers = value || '';
     },
 
     setQueryParams: function (value) {
-      this._internal.queryParams = value || [];
+      this._internal.queryParams = value || '';
     },
 
     setBodyType: function (value) {
@@ -515,15 +549,23 @@ var HttpNode = {
     },
 
     setBodyFields: function (value) {
-      this._internal.bodyFields = value || [];
+      this._internal.bodyFields = value || '';
     },
 
     setResponseMapping: function (value) {
-      this._internal.responseMapping = value || [];
+      this._internal.responseMapping = value || '';
     },
 
     setAuthType: function (value) {
       this._internal.authType = value;
+    },
+
+    setMethod: function (value) {
+      this._internal.method = value || 'GET';
+    },
+
+    setTimeout: function (value) {
+      this._internal.timeout = value || 30000;
     }
   }
 };
@@ -534,36 +576,6 @@ var HttpNode = {
 function updatePorts(nodeId, parameters, editorConnection) {
   const ports = [];
 
-  // URL input (already defined in static inputs, but we want it first)
-  ports.push({
-    name: 'url',
-    displayName: 'URL',
-    type: 'string',
-    plug: 'input',
-    group: 'Request'
-  });
-
-  // Method input
-  ports.push({
-    name: 'method',
-    displayName: 'Method',
-    type: {
-      name: 'enum',
-      enums: [
-        { label: 'GET', value: 'GET' },
-        { label: 'POST', value: 'POST' },
-        { label: 'PUT', value: 'PUT' },
-        { label: 'PATCH', value: 'PATCH' },
-        { label: 'DELETE', value: 'DELETE' },
-        { label: 'HEAD', value: 'HEAD' },
-        { label: 'OPTIONS', value: 'OPTIONS' }
-      ]
-    },
-    default: 'GET',
-    plug: 'input',
-    group: 'Request'
-  });
-
   // Parse URL for path parameters: /users/{userId} → userId port
   if (parameters.url) {
     const pathParams = parameters.url.match(/\{([A-Za-z0-9_]+)\}/g) || [];
@@ -580,7 +592,7 @@ function updatePorts(nodeId, parameters, editorConnection) {
     }
   }
 
-  // Headers configuration
+  // Headers configuration - comma-separated list
   ports.push({
     name: 'headers',
     displayName: 'Headers',
@@ -590,21 +602,23 @@ function updatePorts(nodeId, parameters, editorConnection) {
   });
 
   // Generate input ports for each header
-  if (parameters.headers && Array.isArray(parameters.headers)) {
-    for (const header of parameters.headers) {
-      if (header.key) {
-        ports.push({
-          name: 'header-' + header.key,
-          displayName: header.key,
-          type: 'string',
-          plug: 'input',
-          group: 'Headers'
-        });
-      }
+  if (parameters.headers) {
+    const headerList = parameters.headers
+      .split(',')
+      .map((h) => h.trim())
+      .filter(Boolean);
+    for (const header of headerList) {
+      ports.push({
+        name: 'header-' + header,
+        displayName: header,
+        type: 'string',
+        plug: 'input',
+        group: 'Headers'
+      });
     }
   }
 
-  // Query parameters configuration
+  // Query parameters configuration - comma-separated list
   ports.push({
     name: 'queryParams',
     displayName: 'Query Parameters',
@@ -614,20 +628,44 @@ function updatePorts(nodeId, parameters, editorConnection) {
   });
 
   // Generate input ports for each query param
-  if (parameters.queryParams && Array.isArray(parameters.queryParams)) {
-    for (const param of parameters.queryParams) {
-      if (param.key) {
-        ports.push({
-          name: 'query-' + param.key,
-          displayName: param.key,
-          type: '*',
-          plug: 'input',
-          group: 'Query Parameters'
-        });
-      }
+  if (parameters.queryParams) {
+    const queryList = parameters.queryParams
+      .split(',')
+      .map((q) => q.trim())
+      .filter(Boolean);
+    for (const param of queryList) {
+      ports.push({
+        name: 'query-' + param,
+        displayName: param,
+        type: 'string',
+        plug: 'input',
+        group: 'Query Parameters'
+      });
     }
   }
 
+  // Method selector as dynamic port (so we can track parameter changes properly)
+  ports.push({
+    name: 'method',
+    displayName: 'Method',
+    type: {
+      name: 'enum',
+      enums: [
+        { label: 'GET', value: 'GET' },
+        { label: 'POST', value: 'POST' },
+        { label: 'PUT', value: 'PUT' },
+        { label: 'PATCH', value: 'PATCH' },
+        { label: 'DELETE', value: 'DELETE' },
+        { label: 'HEAD', value: 'HEAD' },
+        { label: 'OPTIONS', value: 'OPTIONS' }
+      ],
+      allowEditOnly: true
+    },
+    default: 'GET',
+    plug: 'input',
+    group: 'Request'
+  });
+
   // Body type selector (only shown for POST/PUT/PATCH)
   const method = parameters.method || 'GET';
   if (['POST', 'PUT', 'PATCH'].includes(method)) {
@@ -649,7 +687,7 @@ function updatePorts(nodeId, parameters, editorConnection) {
       group: 'Body'
     });
 
-    // Body fields configuration
+    // Body fields configuration - comma-separated list
     const bodyType = parameters.bodyType || 'json';
     if (bodyType === 'json' || bodyType === 'form' || bodyType === 'urlencoded') {
       ports.push({
@@ -660,25 +698,56 @@ function updatePorts(nodeId, parameters, editorConnection) {
         group: 'Body'
       });
 
-      // Generate input ports for each body field
-      if (parameters.bodyFields && Array.isArray(parameters.bodyFields)) {
-        for (const field of parameters.bodyFields) {
-          if (field.key) {
-            ports.push({
-              name: 'body-' + field.key,
-              displayName: field.key,
-              type: '*',
-              plug: 'input',
-              group: 'Body'
-            });
-          }
+      // Type options for body fields
+      const _types = [
+        { label: 'String', value: 'string' },
+        { label: 'Number', value: 'number' },
+        { label: 'Boolean', value: 'boolean' },
+        { label: 'Array', value: 'array' },
+        { label: 'Object', value: 'object' },
+        { label: 'Any', value: '*' }
+      ];
+
+      // Generate type selector and value input ports for each body field
+      if (parameters.bodyFields) {
+        const fieldList = parameters.bodyFields
+          .split(',')
+          .map((f) => f.trim())
+          .filter(Boolean);
+        for (const field of fieldList) {
+          // Get the selected type for this field (default to string)
+          const fieldType = parameters['body-type-' + field] || 'string';
+
+          // Type selector for this field
+          ports.push({
+            name: 'body-type-' + field,
+            displayName: field + ' Type',
+            type: {
+              name: 'enum',
+              enums: _types,
+              allowEditOnly: true
+            },
+            default: 'string',
+            plug: 'input',
+            group: 'Body'
+          });
+
+          // Value input for this field (type matches selected type)
+          ports.push({
+            name: 'body-' + field,
+            displayName: field,
+            type: fieldType,
+            plug: 'input',
+            group: 'Body'
+          });
         }
       }
     } else if (bodyType === 'raw') {
+      // Raw body - use code editor with JSON syntax
       ports.push({
         name: 'body-raw',
         displayName: 'Body',
-        type: 'string',
+        type: { name: 'string', allowEditOnly: true, codeeditor: 'json' },
         plug: 'input',
         group: 'Body'
       });
@@ -760,41 +829,28 @@ function updatePorts(nodeId, parameters, editorConnection) {
     });
   }
 
-  // Response mapping
-  ports.push({
-    name: 'responseMapping',
-    displayName: 'Response Mapping',
-    type: { name: 'stringlist', allowEditOnly: true },
-    plug: 'input',
-    group: 'Response Mapping'
-  });
-
-  // Generate output ports for each response mapping
-  if (parameters.responseMapping && Array.isArray(parameters.responseMapping)) {
-    for (const mapping of parameters.responseMapping) {
-      if (mapping.name) {
-        ports.push({
-          name: 'out-' + mapping.name,
-          displayName: mapping.name,
-          type: '*',
-          plug: 'output',
-          group: 'Response'
-        });
-      }
-    }
-  }
-
-  // Timeout
+  // Timeout setting
   ports.push({
     name: 'timeout',
     displayName: 'Timeout (ms)',
     type: 'number',
     default: 30000,
     plug: 'input',
-    group: 'Settings'
+    group: 'Request'
   });
 
-  // Actions
+  // Response mapping - add output names, then specify JSONPath for each
+  // User adds output names like: userId, userName, totalCount
+  // For each name, we generate a "Path" input and an output port
+  ports.push({
+    name: 'responseMapping',
+    displayName: 'Output Fields',
+    type: { name: 'stringlist', allowEditOnly: true },
+    plug: 'input',
+    group: 'Response Mapping'
+  });
+
+  // Signal inputs - MUST be in dynamic ports for editor to show them
   ports.push({
     name: 'fetch',
     displayName: 'Fetch',
@@ -811,6 +867,44 @@ function updatePorts(nodeId, parameters, editorConnection) {
     group: 'Actions'
   });
 
+  // URL input - also needs to be in dynamic ports
+  ports.push({
+    name: 'url',
+    displayName: 'URL',
+    type: 'string',
+    plug: 'input',
+    group: 'Request'
+  });
+
+  // Generate path input ports and output ports for each response mapping
+  if (parameters.responseMapping && typeof parameters.responseMapping === 'string') {
+    const outputNames = parameters.responseMapping
+      .split(',')
+      .map((m) => m.trim())
+      .filter(Boolean);
+
+    for (const name of outputNames) {
+      // Path input port for specifying JSONPath (e.g., $.data.id)
+      ports.push({
+        name: 'mapping-path-' + name,
+        displayName: name + ' Path',
+        type: 'string',
+        default: '$',
+        plug: 'input',
+        group: 'Response Mapping'
+      });
+
+      // Output port for the extracted value
+      ports.push({
+        name: 'out-' + name,
+        displayName: name,
+        type: '*',
+        plug: 'output',
+        group: 'Response'
+      });
+    }
+  }
+
   // Standard outputs
   ports.push({
     name: 'response',
@@ -891,7 +985,8 @@ module.exports = {
           event.name === 'bodyType' ||
           event.name === 'bodyFields' ||
           event.name === 'authType' ||
-          event.name === 'responseMapping'
+          event.name === 'responseMapping' ||
+          event.name.startsWith('body-type-') // Body field type changes
         ) {
           updatePorts(node.id, node.parameters, context.editorConnection);
         }

packages/noodl-viewer-react/src/register-nodes.js

@@ -60,6 +60,9 @@ export default function registerNodes(noodlRuntime) {
     require('./nodes/std-library/colorblend'),
     require('./nodes/std-library/animate-to-value'),
 
+    // HTTP node - temporarily here for debugging (normally in noodl-runtime)
+    require('@noodl/runtime/src/nodes/std-library/data/httpnode'),
+
     //require('./nodes/std-library/variables/number'), // moved to runtime
     //require('./nodes/std-library/variables/string'),
     //require('./nodes/std-library/variables/boolean'),