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n8n

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description n8n Overview

Visual workflows are the starting point for n8n, an automation platform that connects services and moves data between them. Users arrange nodes to define triggers and subsequent actions, while code steps allow JavaScript when a task needs custom logic. This combination suits both people assembling standard integrations and developers handling more specialized API requests or data transformations. A self-hosted option gives organizations control over where the application runs and how it is configured, alongside a hosted service.

Documentation and a community help users build and troubleshoot workflows, while reusable nodes provide an extensible structure. n8n's source code is available under a fair-code licensing model with restrictions on some uses. That makes it different from software offered under an unrestricted open-source license. Self-hosting can support data control, but secure operation still depends on configuration and maintenance.

help n8n FAQ

Can n8n be self-hosted instead of using n8n Cloud?

Yes, n8n is widely used as a self-hosted workflow automation tool, often deployed with Docker. n8n Cloud is the hosted option for teams that do not want to manage the server themselves.

Does n8n let you write JavaScript inside workflows?

Yes, n8n includes code nodes that let you use JavaScript for transformations and custom logic. That is a major difference from simpler no-code-only automation tools.

How does n8n compare with Zapier for API-heavy workflows?

Zapier is usually easier for mainstream SaaS automations, while n8n gives developers more control through self-hosting, custom code, and direct HTTP requests. For internal API orchestration, n8n's visual editor plus JavaScript can be a better fit.

What databases can n8n use in production?

n8n commonly runs with PostgreSQL for production deployments, while SQLite is more common for small local setups. Docker-based installs often pair the n8n container with a separate Postgres service.

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