n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool. Think Zapier but self-hosted, cheaper, and more powerful. Here's how to set it up.
Why n8n?
- •Free: Self-host for unlimited workflows
- •Powerful: Code inside workflows
- •Flexible: Webhooks, cron, triggers
- •Privacy: Your data stays on your server
Option 1: Cloud (Easiest)
# Just visit https://n8n.cloud and sign up
# Free tier: 1 user, 100 active executions/monthPros: Instant setup, managed Cons: Limited on free tier, data on their servers
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Option 2: Docker (Recommended)
```bash # Create a docker-compose.yml version: '3' services: n8n: image: n8nio/n8n ports: - "5678:5678" environment: - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_ACTIVE=true - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_USER=admin - N8N_BASIC_AUTH_PASSWORD=your_secure_password - N8N_HOST=your-domain.com volumes: - n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n
volumes: n8n_data: ```
Then:
``bash
docker-compose up -d
Access at http://localhost:5678
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Option 3: Railway (Still Free)
- Go to railway.app
- Deploy n8n template
- Add environment variables
- Done — running in ~2 minutes
Your First Workflow
Trigger: HTTP Request
- Click "+ Add first step"
- Select "HTTP Request"
- Configure:
- Test → You get SOL price
Action: Discord Notification
- Add new step → Discord
- Configure webhook
- Set message: "SOL price: {{json.solana.usd}}"
- Connect trigger → Action
You've just built a SOL price monitor.
Essential Nodes to Learn
| Node | Use Case |
|---|---|
| HTTP Request | Call any API |
| Code | Custom JavaScript/Python |
| Schedule Trigger | Cron jobs |
| Webhook | Receive web requests |
| IF | Conditional logic |
| Loop | Iterate over items |
| Slack/Discord | Send notifications |
| Google Sheets | Spreadsheet ops |
Pro Tips
1. Use Code Node
Don't wait for pre-built integrations:
// In Code node
return items.map(item => {
const data = item.json;
return {
json: {
value: data.price * 1.1,
signal: data.price > 100 ? 'BUY' : 'WAIT'
}
};
});2. Error Workflows
Never miss a failure:
- Create separate workflow
- Set trigger: Error Trigger (catch)
- Actions: Slack notification, email, log
3. Encryption
For sensitive data:
# Set encryption key
docker run -d -p 5678:5678 -e N8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY=your-32-char-key n8nio/n8nFinal Verdict
n8n is the real deal. It's not just "free Zapier" — it's a programmable automation platform that grows with you.
Start with Docker on a $5 VPS. The community is excellent. The documentation is thorough. And once you have one workflow running, you'll find 10 more to automate.