In a world where time and productivity have become strategic assets, processes automation is no longer a choice; Rather, it is an inevitable necessity. The N8N tool is one of the most popular and powerful options for making automatic currents between services, APIs and databases. In this article, we will thoroughly examine the N8N capabilities, its limitations, and the prerequisites you need to know before use.
What is N8N?
The N8N is an open-source tool for designing and executing automation workflows that allows you to connect different services and apps using a graphical interface.
N8N difference with tools like zapier or make
Unlike Zapier and Make, which have business and limited services, the N8N can be installed on a dedicated server, supports advanced coding and gives the user complete control.
Key N8N Cases
The N8N tool has key features for its users, which we will mention below.
User -friendly graphic interface (Visual Workflow Editor)
The N8N has a very simple and intuitive visual interface that allows you to design sophisticated currents by dragging and dropping nodes.
More than 1 ninety ready to connect
This tool is more than 1 ninety ready to connect. A list of the most practical and famous ready -made connections of this service:
- Google Sheets
- Slack
- Discord
- Telegram
- Github
- HTTP REQUEST
- Webhook
- Databases like mysql and postgresql
- Different CRM and CMS tools
Conditional Logic execution)
You can implement the IF / Else logic, rings, filters and paths based on the received data.
Integration with JavaScript coding
For more flexibility, it is possible to write JavaScript codes in proprietary nodes. This feature makes N8N very powerful developers.
Self-host (self-hosting)
The N8N can be run on a personal server, a local, or via Docker without a business restriction.
Support Webhook and Automation Trigger
You can enable automatic processes by sending a request to a webhook; For example, you can submit new orders, receive form from the user, or upload files to the cloud.
N8N constraints

While this tool is very useful for automation, it also has its limitations and disadvantages.
Relatively difficult learning
For non -technical users, this tool may initially be more complex than tools like Zapier, especially in the coding and conditioning section.
Need to host infrastructure
In Self-Host mode, you are responsible for installing, maintaining, backing up, security and updating.
Consumption of server resources
CPU and RAM should be considered to run heavy currents. Parallel duties or use of coincident webhoks may import a lot of burden on the system.
Lack of mobile interface or app
This tool still does not have a mobile version or app, and all interaction with it is done through the desktop browser.
Stability in complex automation
In certain cases, with the nested conditions, sometimes unexpected events or logical problems occur that require professional diploma.
Prerequisites Starting with N8N
To get started with this tool, we may need to pay attention to a few basic things.
Basic knowledge about API and Webhook concepts
To design effective streams, you need to be familiar with the principles of rest API, http (get, post, pressure …) and JSON structure.
Introduction to JavaScript (optional but useful)
It is very useful to create advanced filters, calculations or data processing, writing JavaScript scripts in the ninety Function.
Proper hosting environment
You can use the following options:
- Dedicated server or VPS (like ubuntu)
- Docker (easiest way to install)
- Cloud services such as Pipedream, Digitalocean, Railway and Render
A logical understanding of data stream
The design of automation currents requires logical thinking, hierarchy and conditions control. Without proper understanding of the current, your automation may be incomplete or unstable.
Conclusion
The N8N is one of the most powerful open source automation tools at present, with high flexibility, development capability, and the ability to run, and has become a professional choice for technical teams. Despite some complexities and the need for infrastructure, its extensive benefits, especially for large and customized projects, are quite impressive. If you are looking for complete control, reliable and developable automation, the N8N can be a great option.
Frequently asked questions about automation with N8N
Yes. The N8N is completely free in the open version and only if you use the official cloud version of N8N.Cloud, you have to pay subscription fees.
Yes. There are nodes for direct connection to MySQL, Postgresql, SQLite and even Mongodb. HTTP REQUEST can also be used to connect to any other API.
N8N security depends on how you are implemented. In Self-Host mode, you need to do things like HTTPS, authentication, access restrictions and encryption.
RCO NEWS




