Input CSV

Input CSV

The Input CSV node is the starting point for most Rflow workflows. It lets you upload a CSV file from your computer and make it available to downstream nodes for analysis.

What it does

  • Uploads a CSV file to the R backend
  • Stores the data as a named dataframe accessible by other nodes
  • Provides a preview of your data (first 20 rows and 20 columns)

How to use it

  1. Add the node — click “Input CSV” in the Toolbar, then click on the canvas
  2. Choose a file — click the “Choose CSV…” button and select a .csv file (max 50 MB)
  3. Name the dataframe — enter a valid R variable name (letters, numbers, underscores, or dots; no spaces; must not start with a dot)
  4. Click Run — the file is uploaded and stored on the server

Configuration

Setting Required Description
CSV file Yes The .csv file to upload (max 50 MB)
Dataframe name Yes The R variable name for this dataset
Comment No An annotation that appears in generated R code

Output

After running, the Output tab shows:

  • Row and column counts (e.g. “Rows: 150 · Columns: 5”)
  • Data preview table — the first 20 rows and 20 columns of your data

Generated R code

my_data <- read.csv("caterpillars.csv")

The dataframe name and file name are both included in the generated code.

Tips

  • Use descriptive dataframe names like crop_data rather than df1 — they make your generated R code much more readable
  • If a dataframe name already exists on the server, you’ll see a warning. Choose a different name to avoid overwriting
  • Connect the output handle (bottom) to other nodes like Linear Model, Scatterplot, or Summary Stats