n8n
Fair-code workflow automation platform with native AI capabilities. Combine visual building with custom code, self-host or cloud, 400+ integrations.
What is it?
What it is
n8n is a fair-code workflow automation platform that combines a visual node editor with custom code. Connect 400+ integrations, build AI agent workflows, and self-host on your own infrastructure.
Why it exists
Teams needed Zapier-like automation without SaaS lock-in, data leaving their network, or per-task pricing at scale.
Who should use it
DevOps teams, platform engineers, and developers automating internal workflows, ETL pipelines, or AI agent orchestration.
Who should avoid it
Non-technical users who want zero-setup SaaS with phone support, or teams that cannot run Docker.
How it works
A quick walkthrough in plain English
How n8n automates your work
Step 1 of 4
Something happens
A form is submitted, a cron schedule fires, or an email arrives.
Features
Advantages
- Fair-code license with source available
- No per-execution SaaS pricing when self-hosted
- Large integration catalog
- Active community and enterprise option
Disadvantages
- Self-hosting requires ops knowledge
- Complex workflows can be hard to debug
- Fair-code license restricts some commercial resale
Installation
docker
docker volume create n8n_data docker run -it --rm --name n8n -p 5678:5678 -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n
native
npm install n8n -g n8n start
compose
services:
n8n:
image: docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n
ports:
- "5678:5678"
volumes:
- n8n_data:/home/node/.n8nFAQ
Is n8n free?
Self-hosted n8n is free. n8n Cloud has paid tiers. Check the Sustainable Use License for commercial terms.
Can n8n run AI agents?
Yes. n8n has native AI nodes, LangChain integration, and MCP support for building agent workflows.
What database does n8n use?
SQLite by default for development. PostgreSQL recommended for production.
How does n8n compare to Zapier?
n8n is self-hostable, open-source (fair-code), and supports custom code. Zapier is fully managed SaaS with more polished onboarding.
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