---
title: Troubleshoot node development
description: This page offers solutions to issues that may occur when developing authentication nodes.
component: pingam
version: 8.1
page_id: pingam:auth-nodes:troubleshooting
canonical_url: https://docs.pingidentity.com/pingam/8.1/auth-nodes/troubleshooting.html
keywords: ["Extensibility", "Nodes & Trees", "Troubleshooting"]
---

# Troubleshoot node development

This page offers solutions to issues that may occur when developing authentication nodes.

* I installed my node in AM. Why doesn't it appear in the authentication tree designer?

  The `authNodeName.properties` file for your node must include a `nodeDescription` property for your node to appear in the authentication tree designer.

  AM uses the `nodeDescription` property value as the name of your node.

* How do I get new attributes to appear in the node after the service has been loaded once?

  Learn more in [Upgrade nodes and change node configuration](node-upgrade.html).

* What type of exception should I throw so that the framework handles it gracefully?

  To display a custom message to the user, exceptions must be handled inside the node and an appropriate information callback returned.

  Learn more in [Handle errors](core-error-handling.html).

* Do I need multiple projects/jars for multiple nodes?

  No — you can bundle multiple nodes into one plugin and deploy that plugin in a single `.jar` file.

  Learn more in [Build and install Java nodes](build-install-nodes.html).

* What utilities exist for me to use to assist in the node building experience?

  A number of utilities are available for use in your integrations and custom nodes.

  Learn more in the [AM Public API Javadoc](#ROOT:attachment$apidocs).

* Transient state vs shared state — when should I use one or the other?

  Use transient state for secret values that shouldn't persist.

  Learn more in [Store values in shared tree state](store-values-shared-state.html).

* If my service collects a username in a different way from the [Username Collector node](https://docs.pingidentity.com/auth-node-ref/8.1/am-only/username-collector.html), where do I put the username from the framework to get the principal?

  Learn more in [Access an identity's profile](access-identity-profile.html).

* Where do I go for examples of authentication nodes?

  There are many public examples of community nodes on [GitHub](https://github.com/ForgeRock).

  Find additional nodes on the [Ping Identity Marketplace](https://marketplace.pingone.com/browse?products=pingAm\&contentType=journeyNodes).

  For source access to the authentication nodes included with AM, read [How do I access and build the sample code provided for PingAM?](https://support.pingidentity.com/s/article/How-do-I-access-and-build-the-sample-code-provided-for-PingAM).