n8n

Free and source-available fair-code licensed workflow automation tool. Easily automate tasks across different services.

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Quick Overview

n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that allows users to connect various services and applications to create complex automated workflows. It provides a visual, node-based approach to building workflows, making it accessible for both technical and non-technical users.

Pros

Extensive library of pre-built nodes for popular services and applications
Self-hosted option for enhanced privacy and control
Visual workflow builder with a user-friendly interface
Highly customizable with the ability to create custom nodes and functions

Cons

Steeper learning curve compared to some simpler automation tools
Limited community support compared to more established platforms
Some advanced features may require coding knowledge
Documentation can be inconsistent or lacking for certain features

Getting Started

To get started with n8n, follow these steps:

Install n8n using npm:
```
npm install n8n -g
```
Start n8n:
```
n8n start
```
Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:5678 to access the n8n editor.
Create a new workflow by clicking the "+" button in the top-right corner.
Add nodes to your workflow by dragging them from the node panel on the left.
Configure each node by setting up the required parameters and connections.
Save and activate your workflow to start the automation process.

For more detailed instructions and advanced usage, refer to the official n8n documentation at https://docs.n8n.io/.

Competitor Comparisons

huginn

43,143

Create agents that monitor and act on your behalf. Your agents are standing by!

Pros of Huginn

More mature project with a longer history and established community
Wider range of pre-built agents for various tasks
Self-hosted solution with full control over data and privacy

Cons of Huginn

Less user-friendly interface, steeper learning curve
Limited visual workflow builder compared to n8n
Slower development pace and fewer recent updates

Code Comparison

Huginn (Ruby):

class Agents::WebsiteAgent < Agent
  include WebRequestConcern
  include FormConfigurable

  can_dry_run!
  can_order_created_events!

n8n (TypeScript):

export class HttpRequest implements INodeType {
	description: INodeTypeDescription = {
		displayName: 'HTTP Request',
		name: 'httpRequest',
		icon: 'fa:globe',
		group: ['input'],

Both projects aim to provide automation and workflow capabilities, but they differ in implementation and focus. Huginn is Ruby-based and emphasizes agent-based automation, while n8n is built with TypeScript and offers a more visual, node-based approach to workflow creation. n8n has gained popularity more recently due to its modern interface and active development, while Huginn has a longer history and a dedicated community of users who appreciate its flexibility and self-hosted nature.

directus

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The flexible backend for all your projects 🐰 Turn your DB into a headless CMS, admin panels, or apps with a custom UI, instant APIs, auth & more.

Pros of Directus

More focused on content management and database administration
Offers a user-friendly interface for non-technical users
Provides robust access control and permissions management

Cons of Directus

Less versatile for general automation tasks
Limited integration options compared to n8n
Steeper learning curve for developers due to its specific architecture

Code Comparison

Directus (TypeScript):

const item = await directus.items('articles').createOne({
  title: 'My Article',
  content: 'Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet'
});

n8n (JavaScript):

const newItem = {
  json: {
    title: 'My Article',
    content: 'Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet'
  }
};
await items.addItem.execute.call(this, newItem);

Both repositories offer different approaches to data management and automation. Directus excels in content management with a user-friendly interface, while n8n provides a more flexible platform for various automation tasks. Directus has a steeper learning curve but offers robust access control, whereas n8n is more accessible for general automation needs. The code examples demonstrate the different approaches to creating items in each system, with Directus using a more straightforward API and n8n employing a node-based execution model.

appwrite

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Pros of Appwrite

More comprehensive backend-as-a-service solution, offering authentication, databases, storage, and more out-of-the-box
Stronger focus on security features, including built-in encryption and user management
Better suited for mobile and web application development with SDKs for multiple platforms

Cons of Appwrite

Less flexible for general automation tasks compared to n8n's workflow-based approach
Steeper learning curve for developers not familiar with backend-as-a-service concepts
More limited in terms of third-party integrations compared to n8n's extensive node library

Code Comparison

Appwrite (user authentication):

const sdk = new Appwrite();
sdk
    .setEndpoint('https://[HOSTNAME_OR_IP]/v1')
    .setProject('[PROJECT_ID]');

const account = sdk.account;
const promise = account.create('[USER_ID]', 'email@example.com', 'password');

n8n (HTTP request node):

const httpRequest = {
  url: 'https://api.example.com/data',
  method: 'GET',
  headers: {
    'Authorization': 'Bearer {{$node["Credentials"].data.accessToken}}'
  }
};

Both repositories offer valuable tools for developers, but they serve different purposes. Appwrite is more focused on providing a complete backend solution, while n8n excels in workflow automation and integrations.

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Pros of NocoDB

Focused on creating and managing databases with a spreadsheet-like interface
Offers a more user-friendly approach for non-technical users to work with databases
Provides built-in authentication and role-based access control

Cons of NocoDB

Limited in scope compared to n8n's wide range of automation capabilities
Fewer integrations with external services and APIs
Less flexibility for complex workflows and data transformations

Code Comparison

NocoDB (SQL query generation):

const sqlClient = await this.getSqlClient();
const query = await sqlClient.knex('users').select('*').where('age', '>', 18).toQuery();

n8n (workflow node configuration):

const node = {
  type: 'Function',
  parameters: {
    functionCode: 'return items.map(item => ({ ...item, age: item.age + 1 }));'
  }
};

While NocoDB focuses on database operations and query generation, n8n provides a more versatile platform for creating complex workflows and integrations across various services. NocoDB is better suited for users who need a simple, spreadsheet-like interface for database management, while n8n offers more extensive automation capabilities for a wider range of use cases.

ToolJet

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Pros of ToolJet

More focused on building internal tools and dashboards
Offers a visual app builder with drag-and-drop functionality
Includes built-in components for rapid UI development

Cons of ToolJet

Less extensive integration options compared to n8n
Smaller community and ecosystem
More limited in terms of complex workflow automation

Code Comparison

ToolJet (JavaScript):

import React from 'react';
import { Text } from '@tooljet/plugins/components/text';

export const MyComponent = () => {
  return <Text value="Hello, ToolJet!" />;
};

n8n (TypeScript):

import { INodeExecutionData, INodeType, INodeTypeDescription } from 'n8n-workflow';

export class MyCustomNode implements INodeType {
  description: INodeTypeDescription = {
    displayName: 'My Custom Node',
    name: 'myCustomNode',
    group: ['transform'],
    version: 1,
    description: 'Basic Example Node',
    defaults: { name: 'My Custom Node' },
    inputs: ['main'],
    outputs: ['main'],
  };

  async execute(this: IExecuteFunctions): Promise<INodeExecutionData[][]> {
    // Node logic here
  }
}

Both ToolJet and n8n are open-source platforms for building applications and automations. ToolJet excels in creating internal tools with a user-friendly interface, while n8n offers more extensive workflow automation capabilities and integrations. The choice between them depends on the specific use case and required functionality.

budibase

21,744

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Pros of Budibase

More focused on rapid application development and low-code solutions
Offers a visual interface for building web applications
Includes built-in user authentication and role-based access control

Cons of Budibase

Less extensive integration options compared to n8n
More limited in terms of complex workflow automation
Steeper learning curve for developers used to traditional coding

Code Comparison

Budibase (JavaScript):

export function myCustomComponent() {
  return {
    template: `<div>Hello, Budibase!</div>`,
    props: {},
    setup() {
      // Component logic here
    },
  }
}

n8n (TypeScript):

import { INodeType, INodeTypeDescription } from 'n8n-workflow';

export class MyCustomNode implements INodeType {
    description: INodeTypeDescription = {
        displayName: 'My Custom Node',
        name: 'myCustomNode',
        group: ['transform'],
        version: 1,
        description: 'Basic Example Node',
        defaults: {
            name: 'My Custom Node',
        },
        inputs: ['main'],
        outputs: ['main'],
    };

    // Node logic here
}

Both repositories offer unique approaches to workflow automation and application development. Budibase focuses on low-code solutions and rapid application development, while n8n provides more extensive integration options and complex workflow automation capabilities. The choice between the two depends on specific project requirements and user preferences.

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README

n8n.io - Workflow Automation

n8n - Workflow automation tool

n8n is an extendable workflow automation tool. With a fair-code distribution model, n8n will always have visible source code, be available to self-host, and allow you to add your own custom functions, logic and apps. n8n's node-based approach makes it highly versatile, enabling you to connect anything to everything.

n8n.io - Screenshot

Demo

:tv: A short video (< 5 min) that goes over key concepts of creating workflows in n8n.

Available integrations

n8n has 200+ different nodes to automate workflows. The list can be found on: https://n8n.io/integrations

Documentation

The official n8n documentation can be found on our documentation website

Additional information and example workflows on the n8n.io website

The release notes can be found here and the list of breaking changes here.

Usage

:books: Learn how to use it from the command line
:whale: Learn how to run n8n in Docker

Start

You can try n8n without installing it using npx. You must have Node.js installed. From the terminal, run:

npx n8n

This command will download everything that is needed to start n8n. You can then access n8n and start building workflows by opening http://localhost:5678.

n8n cloud

Sign-up for an n8n cloud account.

While n8n cloud and n8n are the same in terms of features, n8n cloud provides certain conveniences such as:

Not having to set up and maintain your n8n instance
Managed OAuth for authentication
Easily upgrading to the newer n8n versions

Build with LangChain and AI in n8n (beta)

With n8n's LangChain nodes you can build AI-powered functionality within your workflows. The LangChain nodes are configurable, meaning you can choose your preferred agent, LLM, memory, and so on. Alongside the LangChain nodes, you can connect any n8n node as normal: this means you can integrate your LangChain logic with other data sources and services.

Learn more in the documentation.

Support

If you have problems or questions go to our forum, we will then try to help you asap:

https://community.n8n.io

Jobs

If you are interested in working for n8n and so shape the future of the project check out our job posts

What does n8n mean and how do you pronounce it?

Short answer: It means "nodemation" and it is pronounced as n-eight-n.

Long answer: "I get that question quite often (more often than I expected) so I decided it is probably best to answer it here. While looking for a good name for the project with a free domain I realized very quickly that all the good ones I could think of were already taken. So, in the end, I chose nodemation. 'node-' in the sense that it uses a Node-View and that it uses Node.js and '-mation' for 'automation' which is what the project is supposed to help with. However, I did not like how long the name was and I could not imagine writing something that long every time in the CLI. That is when I then ended up on 'n8n'." - Jan Oberhauser, Founder and CEO, n8n.io

Development setup

Have you found a bug :bug: ? Or maybe you have a nice feature :sparkles: to contribute ? The CONTRIBUTING guide will help you get your development environment ready in minutes.

License

n8n is fair-code distributed under the Sustainable Use License and the n8n Enterprise License.

Proprietary licenses are available for enterprise customers. Get in touch

Additional information about the license model can be found in the docs.

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Quick Overview

Pros

Cons

Getting Started

Competitor Comparisons

Pros of Huginn

Cons of Huginn

Code Comparison

Pros of Directus

Cons of Directus

Code Comparison

Pros of Appwrite

Cons of Appwrite

Code Comparison

Pros of NocoDB

Cons of NocoDB

Code Comparison

Pros of ToolJet

Cons of ToolJet

Code Comparison

Pros of Budibase

Cons of Budibase

Code Comparison

Convert designs to code with AI

README

n8n - Workflow automation tool

Demo

Available integrations

Documentation

Usage

Start

n8n cloud

Build with LangChain and AI in n8n (beta)

Support

Jobs

What does n8n mean and how do you pronounce it?

Development setup

License

Top Related Projects

Convert designs to code with AI

NPM DownloadsLast 30 Days