Core n8n (eBook)

Engineering No-code Automation from Beginner to Workflow Mastery

Ryan Lorent (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2025 | 1. Auflage
300 Seiten
Publishdrive (Verlag)
978-0-00-097024-4 (ISBN)

Infos

Unlock the true power of automation with core n8n-the ultimate hands-on guide for professionals, freelancers, developers, and no-code enthusiasts who want to build robust, scalable workflows without writing complex code.

In a world where speed, efficiency, and integration define success, n8n (pronounced 'n-eight-n') emerges as the open-source automation platform that outperforms the rest. Whether you're managing social media, syncing data between apps, automating DevOps, or building client workflows, this book gives you everything you need to go from beginner to pro-fast.

 What You'll Learn Inside:

• Step-by-step tutorials for creating real-world workflows across marketing, finance, productivity, and development

• How to connect APIs effortlessly and work with hundreds of apps like Notion, Airtable, Google Sheets, Telegram, Slack, Stripe, and more

• Freelancing strategies and how to monetize your n8n skills

• Advanced use cases like AI-powered automations, DevOps pipelines, webhook systems, and CRM integration

• How to build a killer portfolio with reusable templates and professional-grade automations

Perfect For:

• No-code builders looking to extend their capabilities beyond Zapier and Make

• Freelancers & consultants offering workflow automation services

• Developers & DevOps engineers seeking to create scalable, server-hosted automations

• Business owners wanting to streamline operations and boost productivity

 Bonus Content:

• 100+ Node Glossary for quick reference

• Workflow design templates (use-case based)

• CLI & API cheatsheets

• Update tracker with new n8n features

This is more than just a technical manual-it's your roadmap to mastering no-code automation with n8n, and creating scalable systems that save time, money, and headaches.

Join thousands of automation pioneers and future-proof your career with core n8n.

 Automate anything.

Control everything.

Textauszug

Chapter 1: Welcome to n8n – The No-Code Powerhouse

1.1 What is n8n? The Visual Automation Engine Explained

Introduction

In the world of automation, most people think you need to know how to code, build servers, or pay monthly subscriptions to get things done. But what if you could visually build powerful workflows, connect hundreds of apps, trigger actions, and handle data—all without writing a single line of code?

That’s exactly what n8n offers.

n8n (short for “node to node”) is an open-source, extendable, and self-hostable workflow automation platform designed to empower anyone—from solo entrepreneurs to enterprise teams—to build complex automations using a visual canvas.

This section lays the foundation. You’ll understand what n8n is, how it compares to other no-code tools, and why it's much more than just a drag-and-drop automation builder.

Concept Breakdown

1. A Visual Engine That Works Like a Brain
Think of n8n as a digital brain: every time something happens (a trigger), it thinks, makes decisions, pulls in data, and takes actions. Each node in n8n is like a neuron—processing a specific task.

Here's how it flows:

[Trigger Node] → [Logic/Condition Node] → [Action Node] → [Next Step]

Flowchart: How a Basic n8n Workflow Operates

┌──────────────┐

│ Trigger Node │

└──────┬───────┘

│

▼

┌────────────────────┐

│ Processing Node │

└──────┬─────────────┘

│

▼

┌────────────────────┐

│ Logic / Filters │

└──────┬─────────────┘

│

▼

┌────────────────────┐

│ Action Node(s) │

└────────────────────┘

(e.g., form entry) (e.g., format data) (e.g., check if X) (e.g., send email)

n8n lets you visually build this entire chain—each box on the canvas represents a step, and you just connect the dots.

2. Open Source and Fully Extendable

Unlike many no-code tools locked behind paywalls or proprietary systems (Zapier, Make, etc.), n8n is open source. This means:

● You own your data.

● You can host it anywhere (cloud, VPS, on-premise).

● You can build custom nodes and plugins for anything you want.

● You get full developer-level control—even if you never write code.

This is one of the biggest reasons n8n has exploded in popularity. You're not just using a tool—you’re engineering a system that belongs to you.

3. How n8n Compares with Other Tools

Feature

n8n

Zapier

Make (Integromat)

Open Source

✅ Yes

❌ No

❌ No

Self-Hostable

✅ Fully

❌ No

❌ No

Custom Node Support

✅ Yes (Code/JS/Modules)

❌ Limited

⚠️ Partially

Unlimited Workflows

✅ Yes (self-hosted)

❌ Paid tier required

❌ Paid tier required

Visual Workflow Builder

✅ Yes (fully visual)

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Advanced Logic/Control

✅ Full (IF, loops, exec)

⚠️ Basic

✅ Intermediate

As you can see, n8n is not just a tool—it’s a full automation framework.

4. The Power of “Node to Node” Thinking

The name “n8n” comes from the phrase “node to node.” Every piece of your automation is a node, and the way they connect is how your logic flows.

Here’s a real-world analogy:

● Imagine you’re organizing a birthday party.

● The trigger is receiving an RSVP form submission.

● The next step is checking if the guest has dietary needs.

● If yes, send a custom email.

● If no, just confirm attendance.

This whole process becomes a flow of connected logic, exactly how n8n thinks.

5. Core Benefits of n8n

Let’s crystallize why n8n stands out:

Checklist – Why Choose n8n

● [x] No coding required to get started

● [x] Intuitive drag-and-drop interface

● [x] Connect 500+ services (APIs, databases, cloud tools)

● [x] Scalable from solo to enterprise level

● [x] Data stays in your hands

● [x] Extend with JavaScript or custom code if needed

● [x] Entirely self-hostable for compliance or cost control

● [x] Free forever if self-hosted

Summary Recap

● n8n is a visual workflow engine that lets you automate tasks, connect systems, and build smart processes without code.

● It's open-source, self-hostable, and infinitely extendable.

● The platform is built around nodes that connect in logical flows, like a thinking brain.

● Unlike other no-code tools, n8n puts the power of engineering in your hands.

 

1.2 Why n8n Beats Zapier, Make.com, and Others

Introduction

When most people begin exploring no-code automation, they quickly encounter platforms like Zapier or Make.com. These tools have helped countless users automate repetitive tasks without writing a single line of code. But as automation needs grow more complex—and budgets tighten—users start to hit frustrating limitations:

● Task quotas and usage limits

● Lack of full logic control

● No ownership over data or infrastructure

● Limited ability to customize integrations

This is where n8n breaks the mold.

n8n isn’t just another no-code tool—it’s a full-fledged automation framework, purpose-built for flexibility, control, and scalability. In this section, we’ll explore the major ways n8n beats out the competition—and why it's become the automation tool of choice for developers, startups, and businesses seeking a powerful alternative.

Concept Breakdown

1. No Paywalls. No Quotas. Total Freedom.

Most commercial no-code tools operate on usage-based pricing:

● Zapier: limited “zaps” per month

● Make: limited “operations” per month

With n8n (self-hosted), there are no limits.
You can build unlimited workflows, use thousands of tasks per day, and never worry about hitting a wall or upgrading plans.

Comparison Table: Pricing Models and Limits

Feature/Tool

Zapier

Make.com

n8n (Self-Hosted)

Free Tier Limit

100 tasks/month

1,000 ops/month

Unlimited

Paid Plans Start At

$19.99/month

$9/month

$0 (self-hosted)

Unlimited Workflows

❌ No

❌ No

✅ Yes

Unlimited Users

❌ No

❌ No

✅ Yes

Data Ownership

❌ Vendor stored

❌ Vendor stored

✅ You own everything

2....

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 22.7.2025
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Mathematik / Informatik ► Informatik ► Software Entwicklung
• ISBN-10: 0-00-097024-7 / 0000970247
• ISBN-13: 978-0-00-097024-4 / 9780000970244