How to build the source code with my custom components

[Grudra1]

I am trying to build langflow with my custom components. Foor this I have tried to put my custom component in 'langflow/src/backend/base/langflow/components/helpers/' path hoping to see that in helpers section . I have modified the init.py to include the class of my custom component. Still I cant find it when I build an bring up langflow. Is there something to be done in frontend part also ?

[dosubot[bot]]

To build Langflow with your custom components and have them appear in the "Helpers" section, follow these steps:

1. Create a Custom Component: Ensure your custom component class inherits from CustomComponent and includes a build method.

2. Organize Your Components: Place your custom component script in the appropriate directory under LANGFLOW_COMPONENTS_PATH. For example, if you want it to appear in the "Helpers" section, it should be in a subdirectory named helpers.

3. Modify __init__.py: In the langflow/src/backend/base/langflow/components/helpers/ directory, add your custom component to the import statements and the __all__ list in the __init__.py file. For example:

   from . import my_custom_component  # Add your custom component here
   
   __all__ = [
       "my_custom_component",  # Add your custom component here
   ]

4. Set Environment Variable: Ensure the LANGFLOW_COMPONENTS_PATH environment variable is set to point to your custom components directory:

   export LANGFLOW_COMPONENTS_PATH='["/path/to/components"]'

5. Run Langflow: Start Langflow using:

   langflow run

   or

   langflow run --components-path /path/to/components

6. Restart Langflow: Restart the application for the changes to take effect.

Regarding frontend changes, placing your component in the correct directory and setting the environment variable should be sufficient for it to appear in the sidebar. No additional frontend changes are necessary. If your subdirectory name is not listed in the config.yaml file, your component will appear in an "Other" category in the sidebar ^[1].

To continue talking to Dosu, mention @dosu.

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[Grudra1]

@dosu, what is meant by ' includes a build method' in point#1 ? Also why would I require to step 4 if I am putting the custom component in the langflow/src/backend/base/langflow/components/helpers/ directory ?

[dosubot[bot]]

"Includes a build method" means that your custom component class must define a method named build. This method is essential as it serves as the entry point for the component's functionality within the Langflow framework. The build method is used to process a Document object and perform operations based on a specified function, such as converting text to uppercase, lowercase, or title case. It takes parameters like document and function to perform specific operations on the document's content and returns a Document object with the processed content ^[1].

To continue talking to Dosu, mention @dosu.

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