What is n8n and How to Use It

n8n is a no-code open-source automation tool that facilitates the integration of apps and services without the need for extensive programming. Imagine it as a visual connector between Google Sheets, Gmail, Slack, and various other databases. Instead of coding integrations and switching between apps, you create simple flows that allow for the sequential automation of tasks, negating the need for manual switching between apps and performing integrations one at a time.

n8n is based on the node concept. Every node is a single action that can be performed, like sending an email, making an API request, or reading a spreadsheet. You can visually connect these nodes in a graph as a workflow. For example, one node can 'watch' for a new email to arrive, the next one extracts specific data, and the last one adds that data into Google Sheets. The entire visual, editable automation, and workflow is easy for beginners while being configurable for developers.

Common Use Cases

1. Automating notifications

• n8n can be connected to Slack or Discord.
• If someone fills a form or a new order arrives into your store, a notification message is sent into your team Slack/Discord channel.
• This ensures time is saved.

2. Syncing apps

• Lets say you have client data in Airtable and reporting data in Google Sheets.
• You can use n8n to perform automation. This ensures that your progress is recorded consistently. 

3. Streamlining your workflow 

• You can integrate Mailchimp with Notion or Google Analytics. 
• n8n can store each new subscriber, track your CRM, and capture campaign results along with overall reporting. 
• This automates an entire workflow instead of cranking out each component of your process. 

4. Using webhooks and APIs 

• Developers leverage n8n to process incoming data through webhooks or custom APIs. 
• As an example, n8n can receive e-commerce order data through a webhook and execute order shipping and billing automation steps. 
• You can either utilize prebuilt nodes for the major services or create your own with JavaScript. 

Starting out 

You can get n8n on your computer by running npm install n8n -g or use Docker. 

To get started, you can open the interface by visiting http://localhost:5678 in your web browser after you start the service. 

Starting your first workflow 

To create a workflow, click “New Workflow” and add your first node. 

Select an initial action (e.g., “When a new email arrives”) and then connect to the next action (e.g., “Send message to Slack”). 

Testing and activation 

To ensure your workflow runs smoothly, execute it manually once. 

If successful, it can be activated now. n8n will now complete these tasks without further action.

Save and share

Workflows can be exported and saved as JSON files for teammates and GitHub for version control.

Why choose n8n?

Open-source and self-hosted your data remains private.

Flexible: Integrates with hundreds of services and APIs.

Scalable: Handles small personal tasks and large enterprise workflows.

Visual: The logic is displayed for you instead of code to read.

In summary, n8n allows you to automate your daily processes in a clean and transparent manner. Moving files, posting updates, gathering data, and connecting business systems is facilitated. It transforms tedious work into simple visual flows, making it manageable for everyone.