What is n8n?

• Michael Willson
• April 21, 2025

In today’s fast-paced digital world, automation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Whether you’re running a startup, managing a Web3 project, or building AI Agents, having your workflows run on autopilot saves time, money, and mental energy.

That’s where n8n (pronounced “n-eight-n”) comes in.

What is n8n?

n8n is a powerful open-source workflow automation tool that lets you connect apps, APIs, and services to automate tasks without writing complex code. Think of it as your personal Zapier, but open-source, self-hosted, and highly customizable.

• Website: https://n8n.io
• Type: Open Source (fair-code licensed)
• Best For: Developers, startups, agencies, AI builders, and blockchain teams
• Use Cases: Workflow automation, API orchestration, chatbots, Web3 integrations, AI Agent pipelines

How Does n8n Work?

At its core, n8n allows you to build visual workflows using nodes (which represent actions, triggers, or logic). These nodes can connect 300+ tools and services like:

• Webhooks
• Google Sheets
• Slack
• Notion
• Discord
• Telegram
• OpenAI
• GitHub
• Web3 APIs
• LangChain and LLMs

Each workflow starts with a trigger and continues with a series of steps (actions, filters, conditions) until the task is complete.

Why Developers & AI Builders Love n8n

1. Open Source & Self-Hosted

You control your data, workflows, and security. Perfect for privacy-first and enterprise use cases.

2. No Vendor Lock-In

Unlike other tools, n8n gives you freedom to move and modify the source code.

3. Powerful for Technical Users

You can add JavaScript functions, custom HTTP calls, or even write raw code inside nodes.

4. Supports AI Workflows

Integrate OpenAI, HuggingFace, LangChain, and build agentic AI flows using drag-and-drop logic.

5. Integrates with Blockchain Tools

n8n supports Webhooks, GraphQL, APIs, and can interact with smart contracts, crypto wallets, and Web3 data platforms like The Graph.

n8n + AI Agents = Automation Superpower

If you’re building AI Agents (especially with LangChain or OpenAI), you can use n8n to:

• Automate daily AI tasks
• Route LLM output to different tools (e.g., send answers to Slack)
• Create multi-agent systems using HTTP request flows
• Connect AI Agents with APIs, databases, or CRMs
• Manage memory, feedback loops, and data flow visually

It’s a perfect match for Agentic AI Developers and startups leveraging AI in production.

Want to Master AI + Automation?

Here’s how you can upgrade your skillset:

Agentic AI Developer™ – Blockchain Council

Build AI Agents, integrate with n8n, LangChain, OpenAI, and APIs.

Python Developer Certification – Global Tech Council

n8n supports Python-based logic and automation—this is your must-have backend skill.

Certified Blockchain Expert™ – Blockchain Council

Want to connect n8n to smart contracts, DApps, and DeFi platforms? This certification covers the Web3 side of things.

Bonus: How People Use n8n to Earn

• Automate newsletter creation and send it weekly
• Run Telegram + Discord bots for crypto alerts
• Create Web3 dashboards with real-time wallet tracking
• Offer automation as a service to businesses or DAOs
• Build micro-SaaS tools with agentic workflows using n8n backend

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re in AI, blockchain, crypto, or marketing — n8n empowers you to automate anything. It’s the hidden weapon behind many efficient solopreneurs, devs, and startups.

Ready to build smart, automated workflows and AI Agents?
Your journey starts with the right certifications and tools.

Quick Links to Kickstart:

Agentic AI Developer™
Python Developer – Global Tech Council
Certified Blockchain Expert™