What is n8n?

What is n8n?

n8n (pronounced “n-eight-n”) is a workflow automation tool that lets you connect apps, APIs, and services without writing a lot of code. It’s often compared to Zapier or Integromat, but n8n is open-source, giving you full control and flexibility.

With n8n, you can automate repetitive tasks, move data between apps, and create complex workflows using a visual editor.

Key Features of n8n

Visual Workflow Editor

• Drag-and-drop nodes to build workflows.
• Each node represents an action, API call, or data transformation.

Code Flexibility

• Supports JavaScript Function nodes for custom logic.
• Can manipulate data dynamically before sending it to another service.

Wide Integrations

• Connects with hundreds of services: Google Sheets, Slack, Gmail, MongoDB, Dev.to, and more.
• Supports APIs via the HTTP Request node.

Self-Hosted or Cloud

• You can host it on your own server (free, open-source).
• n8n.cloud offers a hosted version with a free plan.

Trigger-Based Workflows

• Start workflows based on events:
  • Webhooks (e.g., new AI output, form submission)
  • Scheduled intervals (cron jobs)
  • External API calls

How n8n Works

Trigger Node:

• Starts the workflow. For example, “When a new AI response is available” or “Every 10 minutes.”

Processing Nodes:

• Transform data using Function nodes or other processing nodes.
• Example: extract hashtags from AI text or format data for Dev.to.

Action Nodes:

• Send data to other apps/services.
• Example: post a blog to Dev.to, send a Slack message, or store data in a database.

Flow of Data:

• Each node passes data to the next one in the workflow.
• Nodes can run sequentially or conditionally.

Example Workflow: Posting AI Blog to Dev.to

• Trigger: Receive AI-generated blog content.
• Function Node: Extract title, body, and tags.
• HTTP Request Node: Send a POST request to Dev.to API with the blog content.
• Optional Nodes: Send Slack notification or store the post in a database.

✅ Why it’s powerful:

• No need to write full integration scripts for every app.
• Works with APIs directly, so almost any service can be automated.
• Open-source → you can modify it, self-host it, and keep full control.

WorkflowAutomation #OpenSourceTools #DataIntegration