---
title: "Getting Started with n8n: Your First Step to AI Automation"
role: "INTRODUCTION"
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---

Hey there! Welcome to the first lesson of our mini-course on creating a simple AI workflow with n8n. I’m super excited to kick things off by diving into what n8n is, why it’s a game-changer for automation, and how it sets the stage for building smart AI-powered workflows. By the end of this lesson, you’ll have a solid grasp of n8n’s basics and be ready to start automating like a pro. Let’s get rolling!

## What is n8n and Why Should You Care?

So, what’s n8n? First off, it’s pronounced “n-eight-n,” short for “nodemation” — cool name, right? It’s an **open-source, low-code platform** designed to help you automate tasks and build workflows without needing to be a coding expert. Think of it as a toolbox for connecting your favorite apps, services, and even AI models to save you time and effort.

Why’s it awesome? Unlike other automation platforms like Zapier or Make, n8n is **free to self-host**, which means you can run it on your own computer or server without paying a dime. Plus, it’s backed by a lively community that’s constantly adding new features and integrations. Whether you’re organizing files, posting updates, or creating an AI chatbot, n8n makes it happen with a visual, drag-and-drop interface that’s as fun as it is powerful.

Here’s the deal: n8n lets you create **workflows**, which are like a chain of tasks that run automatically. And the best part? It has built-in AI tools, so you can add intelligence to your automations — like answering questions or managing tasks in a smart way. If you’ve ever felt bogged down by repetitive work, n8n is your ticket to freedom.

## Understanding Workflows: The Domino Effect

Let’s break down the core concept of n8n: **workflows**. I love explaining this with a simple analogy — picture a line of dominoes. Each domino is a step in your process, carefully placed to fall in sequence. The workflow is the entire setup of dominoes, and **automation** is what happens when you flick the first one, causing the rest to topple automatically.

In n8n, a workflow is a series of connected **nodes** — think of them as individual dominoes. Each node does something specific, like triggering an action, fetching data, or processing information. When something (like a new email or a chat message) kicks off the workflow, the nodes work together to produce a result, like sending a notification or creating a task. It’s like setting up a chain reaction that does the heavy lifting for you.

For example, imagine you want to automate posting to social media. Your workflow could start with a node that detects a new blog post, connect to a node that formats the post, and end with a node that shares it on X. One trigger, and the whole process runs itself. That’s the magic of n8n!

![Alt text](public/assets/workflow-img.jpg)

## Meet the Nodes: The Building Blocks of n8n

Now, let’s talk about those dominoes — or **nodes** — in more detail. Nodes are the heart of every n8n workflow, and they come in three main flavors: **trigger nodes**, **action nodes**, and **helper nodes**. Here’s the rundown:

- **Trigger Nodes**: These are the starting point of any workflow, like the first domino you flick. They kick things off when something happens, like a new email arriving, a file being uploaded, or a chat message being sent. n8n has a ton of trigger nodes, so you can start a workflow based on almost any event. For example, a “Chat Trigger” node could launch your workflow when someone sends a message like “Show me my tasks.”
- **Action Nodes**: These nodes do the heavy lifting. They perform tasks like fetching data, sending emails, posting to Slack, or even running custom code (yep, you can add JavaScript or Python if you’re feeling fancy). Want to pull a list of tasks from a tool like Linear or generate an AI response? Action nodes make it happen.
- **Helper Nodes**: These are here to keep your workflow on track. They help you manipulate data or control the flow, like merging information, splitting data, or adding logic (think “if this, then that”). For instance, a helper node could check if a task is urgent and route the workflow accordingly.

Here’s a quick example to tie it together: Let’s say you’re building a workflow to manage customer feedback. A **trigger node** starts the workflow when a new review comes in via email. An **action node** uses AI to summarize the review. A **helper node** checks if the review is positive or negative, and another **action node** sends the summary to your team’s Slack. Boom — automated and smart!

## Why n8n Stands Out

You might be wondering, “Why n8n over other tools?” Here’s why it’s a no-brainer:

- **Open-Source & Free**: Run it locally, tweak it, and make it yours without spending a cent. No per-operation fees like some other platforms.
- **Low-Code, High Power**: The drag-and-drop interface is perfect for beginners, but developers can dive into custom code for complex projects.
- **Tons of Integrations**: With over 300 apps and services (like Gmail, Slack, and AI models), n8n connects everything you need.
- **AI Built-In**: n8n’s AI Agent node lets you add smart decision-making to your workflows, like answering questions or managing tasks, which we’ll dive into later.

For non-technical folks, you might need to learn a bit about APIs or hosting, or ask your friend–developer for a little bit help with the initial set up. For developers — you can use the built-in tools or write custom JavaScript, Python, or other code to build crazy powerful automations. Everyone wins!
