# OverNode

### Description

The OverNode is the foundation of the Visual Scripting system: responsible for the implementation of a specific functionality, in order to be used to create more complex logic.

An OverNode is responsible for a single function within the execution flow. 

#### Execution

Each node is tied to another and is created with a set of Ports, whose goal is to carry on the information (tied to a specific data type). 

There are several types of Ports involved:

<table><thead><tr><th width="205.7659040188865">Name</th><th width="340.1572968009442">Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Input</td><td>Port used to input information into the node.</td></tr><tr><td>Output</td><td>Port used to output information, processed by the node, to the next node.</td></tr><tr><td>Flow</td><td>Port used to carry on the execution flow, it outputs a specific kind of information</td></tr></tbody></table>

<figure><img src="/files/CBxIrasOmE3pnarOqSI9" alt=""><figcaption><p>Input ports are shown in the left side, output ports in the right side. <br>Flow ports are represented by an arrow-like port inside the node header.</p></figcaption></figure>

A node can be connected by clicking an output port. This will create a new Edge, to be dragged and dropped to the input port of the next node.&#x20;

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note**: in order for a Connection between ports to be established there must be compatibility between the ports. While dragging an Edge, in order to simplify the process, the non-compatible end ports will be turned off visually, thus becoming non-interactive.
{% endhint %}

<figure><img src="/files/FLJ7R0jrkBH195nnf8Kq" alt=""><figcaption><p>Example of Edge creation</p></figcaption></figure>

The OverNodes can be classified into two categories:

* **Flow Nodes:** provided with Flow Ports, they are used to link the node directly to the Unity runtime execution flow and propagate it further to the following nodes
* **Plain Nodes:** these don't possess Flow Ports, so they can't directly access the execution flow. Instead, they deliver the information "on-demand" (i.e. it processes the information only when another node, tied to it, asks it to).

#### Visual Representation

Each node inside a graph is represented by a small panel, with a Header part (to the top) and a Body.

The Header contains the following information:

<table><thead><tr><th width="205.7659040188865">Name</th><th width="340.1572968009442">Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Icon</td><td>The Image that represents the type of the component, manipulated by the node</td></tr><tr><td>Title</td><td>The name of the node involved, each title by itself provides hints to the user about the node's functionality</td></tr><tr><td>Flow Ports</td><td>If the node is used to build an execution flow, an input/output port is shown</td></tr></tbody></table>

The Body of a node serves as a container for the Input (shown in the left side of the node) and the Output (right side) Ports. Each port is defined by a name and the associated data type.

In addition, a node can contain a certain number of editable fields, to further customize its behaviour.

<figure><img src="/files/CBxIrasOmE3pnarOqSI9" alt=""><figcaption><p>Example of an OverNode</p></figcaption></figure>


---

# Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation

If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.overthereality.ai/over-sdk-manual/over-visual-scripting-legacy/visual-scripting-essentials/overnode.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.