> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.noxus.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Inputs & Outputs

> Essential nodes for data entry and result delivery in flows

## What are Inputs & Outputs?

Input and Output nodes are the fundamental entry and exit points for data in
your flows. They define how information enters your flow, gets processed
through various nodes, and returns results to users or systems.

### Node Types

| Node Type       | Function                                       | Supported Types            |
| :-------------- | :--------------------------------------------- | :------------------------- |
| **Input Node**  | Receives data into flows from external sources | String, Image, Audio, File |
| **Output Node** | Returns processed data to users or systems     | String, Image, File        |

## Core Capabilities

**Type Configuration** - Input and Output nodes require explicit type selection from supported data types (String,
Image, Audio, File). You must configure the expected data type during node setup, and the node will enforce this type throughout flow execution.

<Info>
  Input nodes have a "Type" configuration field where you select from available
  data types. This determines both the input connector type and the output
  connector type.
</Info>

**Fixed Value Support** - Input nodes can be configured with fixed values that remain constant during flow execution. This is useful for configuration parameters, default values, and testing scenarios.

<Warning>
  Input nodes with fixed values cannot accept external input - they always
  return the configured constant value.
</Warning>

**External Data Sources** - Input nodes can receive data from APIs, webhooks, file uploads, user interfaces, and other flows when not configured with fixed values, providing standardized data ingestion points for flow execution.

**Output Formatting** - Output nodes pass through received data in the configured type format. For String outputs with list inputs, the system automatically formats list items with bullet points for readability.

## Next Steps

* Learn about [Nodes](/core/modules/nodes)
* Explore [Integrations](/core/modules/integrations)
* Check out the [Platform](/platform/introduction)