n8n: Open-Source Workflow Automation That Actually Works
2026-03-19•Decryptica
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When automation needs scale, Zapier's per-task pricing becomes painful. n8n solves this with a self-hostable, open-source alternative.
What is n8n?
n8n (pronounced "n-eight-n") is a workflow automation tool that runs on your infrastructure. Connect apps, automate processes, and own your data.
Key Features
- •1,000+ integrations: From Slack to Supabase
- •Code execution: JavaScript and Python nodes
- •Self-hosting: Full control, no vendor lock-in
- •Visual workflow builder: No coding required
- •API-first: Build custom integrations
Real-World Use Cases
- Lead Management: CRM updates → Slack notifications → Email sequences
- Data Sync: Notion → PostgreSQL → Dashboard
- Monitoring: Health checks → PagerDuty → Incident response
Deployment Options
- •Cloud: Managed, starts at $20/month
- •Self-hosted: Docker compose, own server
- •Enterprise: Custom solutions for larger orgs
Getting Started
bash
# Docker compose setup
docker volume create n8n
docker run -d --name n8n -p 5678:5678 n8nio/n8nFor serious automation needs, n8n is the right tool.