Getting started with n8n basics involves understanding its five core concepts: Workflows, Nodes, Connections, Credentials, and Data Flow. A Workflow is the visual canvas where you build your automation. Nodes are the individual building blocks that perform specific actions, categorized as either Trigger Nodes (which start a workflow) or regular nodes (which process data). Connections are the lines that link nodes, directing the flow of data between them. This data is passed in a structured JSON format, and to access services like Google Sheets or Slack, you’ll use secure Credentials to authenticate your accounts. Mastering these fundamentals is the first step to creating powerful automations in n8n.
So, What is n8n, Really? An Automation Analogy
Jumping into a new tool can feel like learning a new language. So, let’s simplify it. Think of n8n as a digital assembly line for your data. You have a starting point, a series of workstations that each perform one specific task, and a finished product at the end.
In this factory, your workflow is the entire assembly line blueprint. Each node is a robotic arm or a specialized workstation that does something specific, like grabbing a new email, sorting customer data, or sending a notification. The conveyor belts connecting these stations? Those are your connections, ensuring everything moves in the right order. It’s a beautifully simple and visual way to handle tasks that you used to do manually. And trust me, once you see it in action, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
The Building Blocks: Core n8n Concepts Explained
To become proficient, you need to get comfortable with the vocabulary. Let’s break down the essential n8n basics you’ll encounter every time you open the editor.
Workflows: Your Automation Canvas
A workflow is the entire process you’re automating, laid out on the n8n canvas. It’s the complete picture, from the initial trigger to the final action. You can have a workflow to onboard new employees, one to generate weekly reports, and another to sync your CRM with your email list. Each workflow is a self-contained automation saved in your n8n instance.
Nodes: The Action Heroes of Your Workflow
If the workflow is the blueprint, nodes are the actual workers. They are the individual blocks you drag onto your canvas to build the automation. Every app integration (like Slack, Google Sheets, or OpenAI) and every function (like filtering data or waiting for a specific time) is represented by a node.
There are two main types of nodes you need to know:
- Trigger Nodes: This is what kicks off your workflow. It’s the “ON” switch. A trigger could be a set schedule (e.g., every Monday at 9 AM), a new form submission, a new row in a database, or a custom webhook that listens for data from another service.
- Regular Nodes: These nodes perform all the subsequent actions. They take data in, do something with it, and pass it on. This could be anything from enriching data with an API call to adding a row to a spreadsheet or even making decisions with an IF node.
Connections: The Data Superhighway
See those little lines you draw between nodes? They’re called connections (or informally, “noodles”). They do more than just show the sequence of events; they are the pathways that data travels along. The output of one node becomes the input for the next node in the connection. This visual flow is one of n8n’s most powerful features, as you can see exactly where your data is coming from and where it’s going.
Data Flow: Understanding n8n’s Language (JSON)
Let’s be honest, this is the part that can trip up beginners. How does data actually move? Data in n8n flows between nodes as a series of items, structured in a format called JSON (JavaScript Object Notation).
Think of it like this: each execution of a node produces a list of items. An item is like a single file folder. Inside that folder, you have key-value pairs, which are like labeled documents. For example, a key might be "email" and the value would be "hello@example.com".
When you click on a node that has been executed, you’ll see a data view. This is your best friend! It shows you the exact structure of the data coming out of that node, which is essential for figuring out how to use it in the next step. You’ll often use expressions like {{ $json.email }} to pull specific data points out of an item.
Credentials: The Keys to the Kingdom
You can’t have your n8n workflow post to your company’s private Slack channel without permission, right? That’s where credentials come in. For any node that connects to a third-party service (like Google, Airtable, HubSpot, etc.), you’ll need to provide credentials—usually an API key or an OAuth2 connection.
n8n takes security seriously. It stores these credentials encrypted in your database, ensuring your sensitive information remains safe and sound.
A Quick-Reference Table for n8n Basics
Here’s a simple table to help these concepts stick.
| Concept | Analogy | Purpose | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Workflow | Assembly Line Blueprint | The entire automation process from start to finish. | It’s the container for your entire automation. |
| Node | Robotic Arm/Workstation | An individual step that performs a specific task. | Can be a Trigger (starts) or Regular (acts). |
| Connection | Conveyor Belt | Directs the flow of data between nodes. | Defines the order of operations and data path. |
| Data (JSON) | Labeled Documents in Folders | The information being passed and processed. | Always check the node’s output to see its structure. |
| Credentials | Security Keycard | Securely authenticates with external services. | Required for almost all third-party app nodes. |
Let’s Build a Simple Workflow: A Real-World Example
Theory is great, but practice is better. Let’s create a workflow that fetches a new tech headline from an RSS feed every morning and posts it to a Discord channel.
- The Trigger: Start with the Schedule Trigger node. Set it to run every day at 8 AM.
- Get the Data: Add an RSS Feed Read node. Connect it to the Schedule node. In the node’s parameters, enter the URL for a tech news RSS feed (like
http://feeds.arstechnica.com/arstechnica/index). - Send the Notification: Add a Discord node. Connect it to the RSS node. After authenticating your Discord credentials, you’ll configure the message. In the “Content” field, you can write something like: “Good morning! Today’s top headline is: {{ $json.title }} – read more here: {{ $json.link }}”
And that’s it! Activate the workflow, and you’ve built a useful automation. You’ve used a trigger, an action node, connections, and expressions to pass data. You’re officially an n8n automator!
Conclusion: Your Journey Starts Now
Understanding these core n8n basics—workflows, nodes, connections, data flow, and credentials—is the foundation for everything you’ll do. It might feel like a lot at first, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Start with a simple two or three-node workflow. Use the thousands of community templates to see how others have solved problems. Before you know it, you’ll be building complex, multi-step automations that save you and your team countless hours.
