What is n8n?
n8n is an open-source automation platform that connects any API, database, or service through visual workflows. Unlike Zapier or Make, n8n gives you full control with self-hosting, custom code nodes, and native AI integration.
Getting Started
- Choose deployment: Cloud (n8n.io) or self-hosted (Docker)
- Create your first workflow: Drag and drop nodes
- Connect triggers: Webhooks, schedules, or app events
Core Concepts
Nodes
Building blocks of workflows. 400+ integrations available: Gmail, Slack, databases, HTTP requests, and AI models.
Triggers
Start workflows automatically: scheduled (cron), webhook, or event-driven.
AI Nodes
n8n's AI Agent node connects to OpenAI, Anthropic, or local models for classification, summarization, and decision-making within workflows.
Practical Examples
- Lead qualification: Receive form submission, enrich with AI, score, and route to CRM
- Content pipeline: Monitor RSS feeds, summarize with AI, post to Slack
- Report generation: Pull data from multiple sources, analyze with AI, send weekly report
Pro Tips
- Use sub-workflows to keep automations modular
- Implement error handling with try/catch nodes
- Use the AI Agent node for dynamic decision-making
- Self-host for unlimited executions at zero marginal cost