What is n8n? #

n8n is a powerful workflow automation tool that lets you create multi-step AI agents and automate workflows using visual tools. It is an open-source no-code tool that you can use in self-hosted and cloud setups on any operating system using Node.js or Docker.

n8n allows you to integrate tools like Slack, Microsoft Teams, Spreadsheets, forms, and databases to create workflows and AI agents. Despite being a visual and no-code tool, n8n also allows you to include JavaScript or Python functions in the workflows and add libraries from npm or Python, making it a great workflow automation tool for people who code and those who don't alike.

What is an n8n workflow? #

An n8n workflow is an automated sequence of tasks created using n8n. A workflow consists of multiple nodes:

• Trigger Node: Initiates a workflow execution based on a specific event like scheduled time or incoming webhooks.
• Action Nodes: Perform individual actions like fetching data from an API, sending an email, or posting a Slack message.

The workflow starts when the trigger node fires, then all nodes execute in order to process data and produce output.

Example: Create a workflow that analyzes reviews from your website and sends summaries to a Slack channel. The workflow would be:

Download & setup n8n locally #

To install and run n8n, you need Node.js and npm on your machine.

Download Node.js and npm

Windows: Install from the official Node.js downloads page.

macOS: Execute the following command in your terminal:

Linux: First install npm using apt:

Then install Node Version Manager (nvm) and Node.js version 22:

Install n8n

Run the following command:

On Linux, you may need superuser mode:

Run n8n

Start n8n by executing:

Open your browser and navigate to http://localhost:5678. On first launch, you'll be prompted to set up your owner account.

n8n components for building the AI workflow #

The review summarization workflow will have the following components:

• Trigger Node: We'll use the n8n Form Trigger to get the user's review. You can also use other tools like Google Forms, Typeform, or Webflow.
• Summarization Chain Node: Generates a summary from text using an LLM. You can define output length and custom prompts.
• LLM: We'll use Gemini AI via the Gemini API. You could also use OpenAI, Anthropic, or others.
• Slack Node: Sends the generated summary to a Slack channel.

Configure LLM and Slack APIs in n8n #

To use Gemini AI and Slack, you need to configure their credentials in n8n.

Configure Gemini AI

1. Go to the Credentials tab on the n8n homepage.

2. Click "Add first credential" and search for Gemini.

3. Select Google Gemini (PaLM) API and click Continue.

4. Paste your Gemini API key and click Save.

Configure Slack

1. Click the + button beside the n8n logo and select Credential.

2. Search for Slack and select Slack API.

3. Paste your Slack Access Token and click Save.

Create an n8n workflow step by step #

Let's build the complete workflow:

Step 1: Create a Form Trigger

Click the + icon to create a new workflow. Search for Form and select n8n Form.

Add fields for:

• Name (text input)
• Email (email input)
• Review (textarea)

Step 2: Add a Summarization Chain

Click the + icon on the right of the form node. Search for Summarization and select Summarization Chain.

Configure:

• Summary length (short, medium, long)
• Custom prompt (optional)

Then attach a Google Gemini Chat Model to the summarization node.

Step 3: Add a Slack Node

Click the + icon on the right of the summarization node. Search for Slack and select the Send Message operation.

Configure:

• Channel ID (where to send the message)
• Message text: Use the output of the summarization chain

Step 4: Execute the Workflow

Click Execute Workflow to test. The form will open in a new browser window.

Submit a review and you'll see:

• ✅ "Workflow executed successfully" confirmation
• ✅ The summary appears in the output panel
• ✅ The summary is sent to your Slack channel

Features of n8n #

• Open-source & self-hosted: Full data control and privacy.
• Visual workflow editor: Drag-and-drop, node-based builder.
• 500+ integrated apps: Slack, GitHub, Notion, MySQL, and more.
• Built-in credential management: OAuth2, JWT, SSO support.
• Code & no-code: Use JavaScript or Python when needed.

Conclusion #

n8n empowers you to build AI workflows by integrating over 500 apps with minimal coding. Whether you're automating internal processes, integrating third-party tools, or experimenting with AI-driven features, n8n offers the control and customization needed to scale efficiently.

To learn more about automation, explore the IT Automation with Generative AI skill path that covers AI fundamentals, SRE practices, and automation system integration.