Introduction to n8n and Setup
What n8n is, why teams pick it, how it compares to Zapier and Make. Cloud vs self-host options and your first workflow.
In this chapter
n8n is an open-source tool that lets you connect different systems (apps, APIs, AI models, databases) and build automations through a drag-and-drop interface. In this chapter you will learn what n8n is, why teams pick it, see the Cloud and self-host options, and run your first workflow.
Topics
- What is n8n? An open-source approach to automation
- n8n vs Zapier vs Make
- Cloud (n8n.cloud) vs self-host
- Local install with Docker
- UI tour: Editor, Executions, Credentials
- Your first 'Hello World' workflow
What is n8n?
n8n (pronounced "nodemation") is an automation platform with 700+ integrations that lets you visually wire up applications and build workflows. Its key differences: it is fully open source, can be self-hosted, includes Code/Function nodes for code-level flexibility, and ships with AI Agent nodes for building AI-powered flows.
n8n vs Zapier vs Make
Zapier is the easiest to start with and supports the widest range of apps; it is a commercial service. Make (formerly Integromat) is strong on complex, branching scenarios and has a generous free tier. n8n is the most flexible choice for developers and anyone who needs data control, thanks to self-hosting, code flexibility and especially its AI agent capabilities.
Cloud vs Self-host
n8n.cloud lets you sign up and start immediately — no setup or maintenance. Self-hosting (running on your own server) keeps your data with you, removes monthly usage limits and gives you full customisation freedom. For beginners: try Cloud first; switch to self-host when you take a workflow into production.
Local install with Docker
The easiest self-host option is Docker. A single docker-compose.yml file brings up n8n + PostgreSQL; your data is persisted in a volume. Don't forget to mount a persistent volume and set the N8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY environment variable.
Your first workflow: Manual → Set → Console
The simplest workflow to learn the UI: start with a Manual Trigger, add a Set node with fixed data, then view the result with a Console (or Edit Fields). These three steps cover adding nodes, connecting them, executing the workflow and inspecting the data flow — everything you need to get going.
This chapter's workflow (n8n editor view)