---
title: "n8n"
description: "n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that connects apps and APIs into visual workflows. Learn about nodes, self-hosting and common use cases."
url: "https://nodea.io/en/glossary/n8n"
lang: "en"
updated: "2026-07-13"
---

# n8n

> n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that visually connects applications, APIs and services into automated workflows, with little or no coding required.

**n8n** is an open-source workflow automation tool that lets you connect different applications, APIs and services into visual workflows that run automatically. Instead of hand-writing scripts to integrate systems, you build the logic from ready-made blocks in an approach close to [no-code](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/no-code), while still being able to drop in custom code where needed.

## How n8n works

At the heart of n8n is a workflow editor where you connect nodes representing individual operations. Data flows from node to node, transformed along the way according to the logic you define. The key elements:

- **Trigger nodes** — start a workflow in response to an event, such as an incoming [webhook](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/webhook), a schedule or a new database record.
- **Action nodes** — perform operations: send requests to an [API](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/api), store data, dispatch messages.
- **Flow logic** — conditions, loops and branches that steer the direction of processing.
- **Code nodes** — the option to insert a custom function when the ready-made blocks aren't enough.

## n8n in practice

n8n automates repetitive tasks and integrates scattered systems:

1. **Data synchronisation** — moving information between a CRM, spreadsheets and databases without manual re-entry.
2. **Notifications and alerts** — reacting to events by sending messages to chat or email.
3. **Webhook processing** — receiving events from external services and triggering further actions.
4. **Recurring jobs** — running workflows regularly on a schedule, much like [cron](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/cron) jobs.

n8n's biggest advantage is self-hosting — running your own instance on a [VPS](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/vps), usually in a [Docker](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/docker) container, gives full control over your data and none of the operation limits typical of cloud services.

### How does n8n differ from Zapier?

Zapier is a fully cloud service billed by the number of tasks executed. n8n can be self-hosted on your own server, giving you control over your data and no operation limits. n8n also offers richer workflow logic, at the cost of maintaining your own instance.

## Related

- [No-code](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/no-code)
- [Webhook](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/webhook)
- [API](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/api)
- [Docker](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/docker)
- [Cron](https://nodea.io/en/glossary/cron)

---

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