What is n8n? An Introduction to the Workflow Automation Tool

In the world of automation, n8n has emerged as a flexible, open-source alternative to popular no-code/low-code workflow automation platforms like Zapier and Make (Integromat). Its name stands for "nodenodenode", highlighting its node-based architecture that lets users connect APIs, apps, and custom logic into powerful automated workflows.

Open-Source and Self-Hosted

One of n8n’s biggest advantages is that it’s open-source. This means you can run it on your own server, keeping sensitive data under your control and avoiding third-party storage fees. While there’s also a hosted version for convenience, many companies and developers prefer self-hosting for maximum flexibility and privacy.

How Does It Work?

n8n’s core idea is simple: build workflows by connecting nodes. Each node represents an action, like sending an email, querying a database, fetching an API, or executing custom JavaScript. Users visually drag and drop nodes in a flowchart-like editor to define how data moves and transforms step by step.

n8n comes with hundreds of prebuilt nodes for popular services like Google Sheets, Slack, Telegram, and GitHub, making it easy to automate tasks across different apps without writing code. For advanced users, custom code nodes allow you to insert your own JavaScript to handle unique scenarios.

Use Cases

Some common ways people use n8n include:

• Automating marketing workflows (like syncing leads between platforms)
• Monitoring APIs and sending alerts
• Moving data between cloud services
• Building lightweight backend data pipelines
• Running cron jobs without writing separate scripts

Why Choose n8n?

n8n strikes a sweet balance between no-code simplicity and developer-level flexibility. With open-source freedom, unlimited workflows, and no per-task fees, it’s ideal for startups, teams, and tech-savvy individuals who want more control over their automations.

Whether you want to automate a simple notification or build a complex multi-step data process, n8n is worth exploring!