n8n

n8n is a workflow automation tool built for technical teams. You design workflows on a visual canvas of nodes, where each node is one step like fetching data or sending a message. You can add custom JavaScript or Python code nodes when you need full control. It includes AI agents, chatbots, and RAG support — RAG means giving an AI your own documents to answer from. The self-hosted Community Edition is free under a fair-code license. Check n8n.io for current cloud plans.

Key Features

1. Visual node canvas

Build workflows by connecting nodes on a canvas. Each node runs one step, and you can watch data flow between them.

2. JavaScript and Python code nodes

Drop in code nodes written in JavaScript or Python. You get full coding power inside a visual workflow.

3. 400+ built-in integrations

Use more than 400 built-in integrations to connect common apps. Webhook and schedule triggers start your workflows.

4. Step-by-step debugging

Run a workflow one step at a time and inspect the data. You can fix errors before the full run goes live.

5. AI agents, chatbots, and RAG

Add AI agents and chatbots to your flows. RAG (using your own documents to guide AI answers) support is built in.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is n8n really open source?

Not fully. n8n uses a fair-code license, the Sustainable Use License. Self-hosting is free, but you cannot sell it as a hosted service.

What does self-hosting n8n need?

Run the n8n server on your machine or cloud server with Docker or an install, then open it in your browser and build workflows there.

How is n8n different from Zapier?

n8n gives technical teams code nodes and self-hosting — more control and data privacy. Zapier is simpler to start with but cannot be self-hosted.

What are executions in n8n?

An execution is one run of a workflow. If it runs 50 times in a month, that is 50 executions. Cloud plans charge by executions.

Conclusion

n8n suits developers and technical teams who want power plus control over their data. Self-hosting is free under its fair-code license, which appeals to privacy-minded teams. Cloud plans start at around €24 a month for 2,500 executions. It takes more skill than Zapier, but the code nodes and debugging reward the effort.