n8n (pronounced "n-eight-n") is an open-source workflow automation platform that allows users to connect apps, automate tasks, and manage data without needing to write a lot of code. It combines no-code simplicity with low-code flexibility, making it suitable for both non-developers and developers.
🔧 What Does n8n Do?
n8n helps users:
- Integrate 400+ services (like Google Sheets, Slack, GitHub, databases, APIs, etc.)
- Automate repetitive tasks (like sending notifications, syncing data, or scheduling emails)
- Build workflows visually, using a drag-and-drop interface
- Add custom code with JavaScript where needed (using the Function node)
- Self-host or use the cloud version, depending on privacy or scalability needs
- Use AI models (like GPT, Claude, etc.) in workflows for automation powered by LLMs
🧠Example Use Cases
- Send an automatic email when a new row is added to Google Sheets
- Back up data from a database to Dropbox every day
- Post a Slack message when a GitHub issue is created
- Use AI to summarize emails and send them to a CRM
- Scrape web data and store it in a database
In short: n8n is like a programmable version of Zapier or Make (Integromat), but with more control, open-source access, and deeper customization options.
Would you like a simple example workflow to see how it works?