n8n

n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that lets you connect different applications, APIs and services into visual workflows that run automatically. Instead of hand-writing scripts to integrate systems, you build the logic from ready-made blocks in an approach close to no-code, while still being able to drop in custom code where needed.

How n8n works

At the heart of n8n is a workflow editor where you connect nodes representing individual operations. Data flows from node to node, transformed along the way according to the logic you define. The key elements:

• Trigger nodes — start a workflow in response to an event, such as an incoming webhook, a schedule or a new database record.
• Action nodes — perform operations: send requests to an API, store data, dispatch messages.
• Flow logic — conditions, loops and branches that steer the direction of processing.
• Code nodes — the option to insert a custom function when the ready-made blocks aren't enough.

n8n in practice

n8n automates repetitive tasks and integrates scattered systems:

1. Data synchronisation — moving information between a CRM, spreadsheets and databases without manual re-entry.
2. Notifications and alerts — reacting to events by sending messages to chat or email.
3. Webhook processing — receiving events from external services and triggering further actions.
4. Recurring jobs — running workflows regularly on a schedule, much like cron jobs.

n8n's biggest advantage is self-hosting — running your own instance on a VPS, usually in a Docker container, gives full control over your data and none of the operation limits typical of cloud services.