n8n is a workflow automation platform that lets you connect apps, APIs, webhooks and AI models. Instead of writing separate scripts for every task, you build a workflow in n8n with steps that are executed automatically one after another.
This makes n8n particularly suitable for automating recurring processes. Think of sending notifications, exchanging data between systems, processing forms, making API calls, or reducing manual management tasks to an automated flow.
n8n also works without an LLM. You only need a model provider such as OpenAI or a local model when you use AI nodes.
What do you use n8n for?
n8n is often used for automations such as:
- Retrieving data from an API and sending it to another system.
- Sending notifications via email, chat or a webhook as soon as 'something' changes.
- Processing form submissions and storing them in a database or CRM.
- Processing app messages, for example from WhatsApp.
- Automating infrastructure and management processes.
- Building AI workflows that generate, summarise or route text.
So you can use n8n for both simple integrations and more extensive workflows with multiple conditions, filters and actions.
How does n8n work?
A workflow in n8n usually consists of three parts:
- Trigger: the starting point of the workflow, for example a webhook, schedule or incoming message (e.g. via WhatsApp).
- Actions and logic: steps that retrieve, modify, filter or make decisions about data.
- Output: the next step, such as a notification, API call, database update or AI response.
You build these steps in a visual editor. This allows you to quickly see how data flows through your workflow and test individual parts before publishing a workflow. An n8n workflow looks like this, for example:
Do you need to know how to program?
No. In n8n, many workflows can be set up using existing nodes and configuration fields, without having to build a complete application yourself.
Basic knowledge of subjects such as JSON, APIs, authentication and webhooks is helpful. For more complex integrations, you can also use your own expressions or code in n8n, but that is not necessary for every workflow.
Does n8n also work with AI?
Yes. n8n also supports AI workflows. For example, you can use chat models, agents or other AI nodes to analyse input, generate text or intelligently route actions.
Have you ordered a VPS with n8n pre-installed but not yet set up an LLM? Then you can start straight away with regular automations. For AI workflows, you then first connect an external provider such as OpenAI or a local model.