What is n8n?

Founded in Berlin in 2019 by Jan Oberhauser, n8n allows people and companies to automate processes without needing advanced programming skills.

You can think of n8n as a digital assistant that operates in the background to connect apps, transfer data, and complete tasks automatically.

It uses a visual interface to allow users to create workflows by linking together “nodes,” each representing an action such as sending an email, updating a spreadsheet, or retrieving data from an API.

These workflows can be triggered by certain actions, such as a form submission or actions that occur at certain timed intervals, which means automation is simply at your fingertips.

READ ALSO: n8n vs Make.com: A Complete Guide for Workflow Automation Beginners

n8n operates on three main concepts: workflows, nodes, and connections:

1. Workflows: Sequences of automated actions tied together to achieve a certain goal. For instance, you can create a workflow to collect customer data from a form, store it in a database, and send a follow-up email, all without manual intervention.
2. Nodes: Nodes are the building blocks of workflows. Each node represents a task or operation, such as retrieving data, transforming information, or sending notifications. Nodes can be pre-built (core functionalities) or custom-made for unique needs.
3. Connections: Connections link nodes together in a logical sequence. The output of one node becomes the input for the next, ensuring smooth transitions between tasks.

Key Features

1. Visual Workflow Builder

• n8n’s drag-and-drop interface is intuitive and easy to use, allowing users to design workflows visually without needing coding knowledge.
• Each workflow is built using “nodes,” which represent tasks or actions, making it simple to connect apps and services logically.

2. Extensive Integration Library

• With support for over 400 native integrations, n8n connects seamlessly with popular tools like Slack, Airtable, Google Sheets, HubSpot, and more.
• For apps not included in its library, users can utilize the HTTP Request node to connect any service with an API.

3. Pre-Built Workflow Templates

• n8n offers a growing library of 1,588 ready-made templates, saving time and effort for users who don’t want to start from scratch.
• These templates cover common use cases like sending notifications, syncing data across platforms, and managing customer databases.

4. Self-Hosting Options

• Unlike many competitors, n8n allows users to self-host their workflows for complete control over data and infrastructure.
• Self-hosting also enables scalability, with features like Queue Mode for distributing workflow executions across multiple instances.

5. Customization and Flexibility

• Advanced users can write custom JavaScript code within function nodes for tailored automation solutions.
• The expression editor lets users create dynamic values and conditions, enhancing workflow adaptability.

6. AI-Native Capabilities

• n8n integrates advanced AI tools to build intelligent workflows, such as chatbots, personalized assistants, document summarization, and information extraction.

7. Error Handling and Debugging

• Built-in error handling ensures workflows run smoothly by retrying failed tasks automatically.
• The visual interface makes debugging easier by showing input/output data alongside settings.

Competitors Comparison

Here’s how n8n compares to popular alternatives: