what is n8n

n8n is a low-code, open-source workflow automation tool built with Node.js that allows users to create custom workflows by connecting different apps and services visually. It uses a system of nodes, where each node represents a step in a process, such as sending an email, fetching data from an API, or running custom code. These nodes can be triggered by events, scheduled, or executed on demand, enabling automation of repetitive tasks, data synchronization, notifications, reporting, and more. Unlike many automation tools, n8n is fully self-hostable, giving teams complete control over their data, deployment, and system behavior. It offers hundreds of integrations and supports complex, multi-branch logic workflows, making it highly flexible and scalable for various business or personal automation needs. It is often compared to tools like Zapier but stands out for being open-source and allowing deeper customization including adding JavaScript or Python code. Common use cases include automating business processes, synchronizing data between apps, processing payments, generating reports, web scraping, and even smart home automation. It is designed to save time, reduce human error, and improve productivity by automating mundane, repetitive tasks across many platforms and services. In essence, n8n acts as a digital assistant for task automation that combines the ease of a visual interface with the power of code when needed, suitable for users ranging from non-coders to developers requiring advanced customization.