n8n

What is n8n?

n8n (short for “nodemation”) is an open-source workflow automation tool that allows you to connect apps, transform data, and automate processes using a visual, node-based interface. Unlike no-code tools like Zapier or Make, n8n offers more flexibility, customization, and self-hosting options, making it ideal for developers, technical operators, and teams with privacy or compliance requirements.

It’s designed to give you complete control over your automation logic—with full access to code, conditions, and data flow at every step.

Why Use n8n?

• Open-Source & Self-Hostable – Run on your own infrastructure for full control and data privacy.
• Developer-Friendly – Customize workflows using JavaScript, API calls, and logic without limitations.
• Modular Workflow Builder – Build complex automations visually with hundreds of pre-built nodes.
• Supports Custom Integrations – Easily extend n8n with your own API connectors and scripts.
• Flexible Trigger Types – Trigger workflows via webhooks, cron jobs, polling, or events.

Core Concepts

1. Workflows

Each automation in n8n is a workflow—a visual pipeline of connected nodes, each representing an app, service, or function.

2. Nodes

• Each node represents an action or service (e.g., HTTP request, Google Sheets, Webhook).
• Nodes can transform data, make decisions, and call external APIs.
• You can chain multiple nodes together to create linear or branching logic.
  

3. Triggers

• Workflows start from a trigger node (e.g., a webhook call, time-based trigger, or event listener).
• Once triggered, data flows through the rest of the nodes automatically.
  

4. Expressions & Variables

• Use built-in expressions ({{$json["field"]}}) to access and transform data between nodes.
• Add logic like if statements, loops, and data formatting using n8n’s expression editor.

Popular Use Cases

• API Orchestration – Chain together multiple API calls and normalize results.
• CRM Syncing – Keep data consistent across HubSpot, Salesforce, and internal databases.
• Finance Ops – Connect Stripe to QuickBooks, or automate recurring revenue reporting.
• DevOps Automation – Trigger workflows from GitHub or CI/CD pipelines.
• Custom Slack Bots – Build bots that respond to events or commands in Slack.
• Data Sync & Cleanup – Clean, validate, and sync data between apps like Airtable, Notion, and PostgreSQL.

Who Is n8n For?

• Tech-savvy operators who need full control over automation logic.
• Developers building custom backend automations.
• Data and RevOps teams orchestrating workflows across multiple APIs.
• Privacy-focused companies that need to self-host their automation tools.
• Startups and enterprises that have outgrown limited no-code platforms and want advanced branching, looping, or scripting power.