n8n

What Is n8n?

n8n (pronounced “en-eight-en”, short for nodemation) is a node-based, source-available workflow automation platform that empowers users to visually design, automate, and orchestrate complex business processes across hundreds of apps and APIs—including advanced AI-powered tasks. Unlike closed-source platforms, n8n offers both self-hosting for full control and privacy, and a managed cloud for ease of use.

Key Points:

• Source-available (fair-code): n8n License
• Drag-and-drop workflow builder
• Custom code support (JavaScript natively, Python via node)
• 500+ native integrations and HTTP Request node for any API
• Native AI nodes (OpenAI, Gemini, Claude, etc.)
• Agentic workflows, RAG, and prompt chaining
• Active open community

n8n Core Concepts

Nodes

Definition:
Nodes are the modular building blocks of n8n workflows, each representing a specific function or integration (e.g., sending an email, fetching API data, transforming JSON).

Types of Nodes:

• Trigger Nodes: Initiate workflows (webhook, schedule, app events).
• Action Nodes: Execute tasks (send message, update database, call API).
• Logic Nodes: Branching, merging, looping (if/else, switch, merge, loop).
• Code Nodes: Execute custom JavaScript (native) or Python (via node).

Node Examples:

• Webhook node (trigger on HTTP request)
• Google Sheets node (append row)
• Slack node (send message)
• HTTP Request node (integrate any RESTful API)

Learn More:

• n8n Node Reference
• Community Nodes

Workflows

Definition:
A workflow is a visual sequence of interconnected nodes, representing an automated process or business logic—essentially a flowchart for automation.

Features:

• Drag-and-drop visual editor
• Branching, merging, conditional logic, and looping
• Step-by-step debugging and execution logs
• Modular: Reuse workflows across projects

Examples:

• New form submission → Add to CRM → Notify via Slack → Send confirmation email

Learn More:

• n8n Docs: Workflows
• Template Library

Credentials

Definition:
Securely stored authentication details (API keys, OAuth tokens, etc.) that allow nodes to access external services.

Key Features:

• Central management of credentials
• Encryption at rest and in transit
• Reusable across workflows

Examples:

• Google OAuth credential for Sheets
• Slack API token
• Custom HTTP header for REST APIs

Triggers

Definition:
Events that start workflows, such as incoming webhooks, scheduled times, or changes in connected apps.

Common Triggers:

• Webhook (receive data from forms, APIs, etc.)
• Cron (run at scheduled times)
• App-specific triggers (new row in Sheets, new deal in CRM)

Expressions

Definition:
Dynamic formulas for referencing, transforming, and mapping data between nodes—enabling complex automation and data manipulation.

Syntax Example:

• {{$json["email"]}} to access an email field from previous node

Advanced Usage:

• Conditional logic
• Data formatting
• Calculations and string manipulation

Visual Workflow Editor

n8n’s visual editor is a node-based, drag-and-drop interface allowing users to design, trace, and debug workflows transparently.

Key Benefits:

• Easy to understand and modify
• Mix no-code automation with custom code
• Real-time execution and error tracing

Screenshot Example:

Learn More:

• n8n Docs: Editor UI

How Is n8n Used?

n8n is used to automate repetitive, multi-step business or personal tasks across apps and data sources, with both simple and complex logic.

Common Use Cases:

• Lead management: Capture forms, update CRM, notify sales, automate emails
• Data sync: Keep customer info, orders, or tickets synced across tools
• AI-powered processes: Chatbots, summarization, ticket classification, content generation
• Reporting: Aggregate analytics, compile reports, deliver notifications
• E-commerce: Order processing, invoice generation, shipping, customer alerts
• Support: Ticket routing, auto-assign, multichannel updates
• Project management: Sync tasks between Jira, Asana, Trello
• Web/data scraping: Extract, transform, and store information
• Smart home: Automate devices based on location or events

User Types:

• IT, DevOps, SecOps
• Agencies, marketing, sales, and support teams
• Developers and non-coders (thanks to the visual editor)
• Enterprises with privacy, compliance, or custom integration needs
• Individuals automating personal or smart home workflows

AI Integration in n8n

AI workflow automation in n8n leverages nodes for LLMs (OpenAI, Gemini, Claude, etc.), retrievers, and agentic orchestration, allowing you to automate unstructured data processing, intelligent routing, and advanced decision-making.

Key AI Features:

• Natural Language Understanding: Summarize, classify, or transform text using LLM nodes (n8n AI Docs)
• Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG): Combine LLMs with document retrieval for chatbots and internal search (Example RAG Workflow)
• Multimodal AI: Handle text, images, and documents (e.g., validate passport photos with Google Gemini)
• Human-in-the-Loop: Pause for manual approval within automated flows
• Multi-Agent Systems: Orchestrate multiple AI models, combine outputs, and make decisions

Benefits of AI Workflow Automation:

• Handles unstructured data (emails, docs, images, social posts)
• Automates tedious, error-prone tasks
• Scales with business growth
• Adapts to unexpected changes in data or process
• Provides predictive analytics and actionable insights

Features & Differentiators

Key Strengths:

• Flexible hosting: cloud or self-host
• Unlimited executions (self-hosted)
• Advanced branching, looping, merging, error handling
• Integrated code for edge cases
• Native AI agentic workflows
• Expanding ecosystem of nodes, templates, and plugins

Getting Started with n8n

n8n Cloud (Fastest)

1. Sign up: n8n Cloud Registration
2. Log in: Access your dashboard
3. Create workflow: Start building visually
4. Add credentials: Connect apps and services
5. Test and activate workflow

Self-Hosting (Full Control)

1. Choose server: VPS, on-prem, or even Raspberry Pi
2. Install Docker: Simplest deployment
3. Run n8n: Official Docker image or manual Node.js (see docs)
4. Access UI: Browser-based editor on your server IP
5. Secure: Configure authentication, SSL, backups
6. Start building: Use the visual editor

Example Workflows

1. Automated Lead Capture (Web to CRM to Slack)

• Trigger: Website form submission
• Steps: Webhook → Add to Sheets/CRM → Notify sales on Slack → Add to Mailchimp
• Lead Automation Template

2. AI-Powered Support

• Trigger: Incoming support request
• Steps: Webhook → AI node (summarize/classify) → Route ticket → Create in Zendesk → Confirmation email
• AI Support Workflow

3. E-commerce Order Processing

• Trigger: New order in WooCommerce/Shopify
• Steps: Fetch details → Update inventory → Generate invoice → Trigger shipping → Notify customer

4. Content Promotion

• Trigger: New blog post
• Steps: Fetch post → Post to social → Schedule reposts → Generate graphics

5. Reporting & Data Sync

• Trigger: Scheduled run
• Steps: Aggregate analytics → Populate report → Notify with link

6. Smart Home Automation

• Steps: Detect location → Turn off lights → Adjust thermostat → Notify by SMS

7. Web Scraping & Monitoring

• Steps: Scrape website → Store results → Alert on price drop

Template Library:

• n8n Workflow Templates

Advanced Topics: AI & Custom Integrations

AI Integration Examples

• Chatbot with Knowledge Base:
  OpenAI node + Google Drive retriever + Slack/WhatsApp output
  RAG Chatbot Example
• Multi-Agent Orchestration:
  Coordinate multiple LLMs for advanced decision flows
• Natural Language to API:
  Convert plain English into IT tasks via API calls
• Human-in-the-Loop:
  Pause automation for manual approval before execution

Custom Integrations

• HTTP Request Node:
  Connect any REST API, with advanced auth
• Community Nodes:
  Expand n8n with 3rd-party and custom nodes (Install Guide)
• Custom Code:
  Use Function/FunctionItem nodes for custom logic, data transforms, or external library calls

Security & Compliance

• Self-hosting: All data remains on your infrastructure
• Access Control: Role-based permissions for workflows and credentials
• Audit Logs: Trace all workflow executions and changes
• SOC2: n8n Cloud is SOC2 compliant for enterprise security

Pros & Cons: n8n vs Zapier/Make

Detailed Comparison:

• Hostinger: n8n vs Zapier

FAQ

Do I need to be a developer to use n8n?
No. The visual editor and templates enable non-coders to automate. Coding is optional for advanced cases.
Getting Started Guide

Is n8n free?
Yes, if you self-host (pay only for your server). n8n Cloud is paid but has a free trial.
Pricing

Can I connect to any app or API?
Yes. Use built-in nodes or the HTTP Request node for custom APIs.
Node Reference

How does n8n handle errors?
Workflows support error handling nodes, alternate branches, and execution logs for debugging.
Error Handling

Is my data secure?
Self-hosting ensures full data privacy. n8n Cloud is SOC2 compliant.
Security

Where can I find help and templates?

• n8n Docs
• Template Library
• Community Forum
• YouTube Channel

Additional Resources

• n8n Official Site
• n8n Docs
• n8n Github
• n8n Template Library
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