n8n (pronounced "n-eight-n") is a powerful open-source workflow automation platform that connects apps, services, and APIs to create automated workflows without writing code. The name means "nodes to nodes," reflecting its visual approach where each step in your automation is a node.

Key Takeaways

Open-source flexibility: n8n is a fair-code platform you can self-host for free or use via cloud starting at $24/month
400+ integrations: Connect Google Workspace, Slack, Notion, LinkedIn, CRMs, and hundreds more apps
AI-native: Built-in nodes for OpenAI, Claude, and other LLMs make AI automation accessible
$2.5B valuation: Backed by $253M in funding from Accel, Nvidia Ventures, and Sequoia Capital

What Makes n8n Different From Other Automation Tools?

According to n8n's official documentation, n8n is designed for technical users who need flexibility beyond what Zapier or Make offer. Unlike closed platforms, n8n gives you full control over your data and workflows.

Fair-Code Model

n8n operates on a "fair-code" license. This means:

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Source code is publicly available on GitHub
You can self-host on your own infrastructure
Community edition is free with unlimited executions
Commercial use requires a license for larger teams

Visual + Code Approach

n8n uniquely combines visual workflow building with code flexibility. You can:

Build automations visually by dragging and dropping nodes
Write custom JavaScript or Python when needed
Mix no-code and code components in the same workflow

How Does n8n Work?

n8n uses a node-based architecture where each automation step is represented as a node. Here's how it works:

1. Triggers Start Your Workflow

Every n8n workflow begins with a trigger node:

Webhook triggers: Receive data from external services
Schedule triggers: Run workflows at specific times
App triggers: Start when something happens in connected apps

2. Nodes Process Your Data

Each subsequent node performs an action:

App nodes: Interact with services like Gmail, Slack, or LinkedIn via ConnectSafely
Core nodes: Transform data, add logic, or control flow
AI nodes: Process text with LLMs like GPT-4 or Claude

3. Connections Define the Flow

Drag connections between nodes to define how data flows through your automation. n8n supports:

Linear flows (A → B → C)
Branching logic (if/else conditions)
Parallel execution (multiple paths simultaneously)
Loops and iterations

n8n 2.0: What's New in 2026?

The n8n 2.0 series introduced major improvements announced in late 2025:

Draft and Publish System

The most visible change separates "Draft" and "Live" states. Saving a workflow now preserves your progress without updating the active version. This prevents accidental changes to production automations.

Task Runners for Security

n8n 2.0 enables Task Runners by default. All custom JavaScript and Python code now executes in an isolated sandbox environment. This makes it easier to pass IT security audits.

Performance Improvements

A new high-performance SQLite pooling driver drastically reduces "Database Locked" errors that plagued earlier versions.

AI Enhancements

According to n8n's blog, new features include:

Chat hub for interacting with LLMs and agent workflows
Native Python code tool for AI agents
SerpAPI Google search support

n8n Use Cases: What Can You Automate?

Marketing & Lead Generation

Automate your marketing workflows:

Sync leads between CRMs and email platforms
Auto-post content across social channels
Track campaign performance automatically

For LinkedIn specifically, ConnectSafely's n8n integration lets you automate profile engagement, connection requests, and messaging—all while staying platform-compliant.

Sales Operations

Route leads based on criteria
Update CRM records automatically
Send follow-up sequences

IT & DevOps

Monitor services and alert on issues
Automate deployment pipelines
Sync data between internal tools

AI Workflows

According to n8n Resources, over 75% of n8n workflows now use LLM integrations. Common AI automations include:

Content generation and summarization
Document processing with OCR + AI
Chatbots and customer service automation

n8n Pricing Overview

According to n8n's official pricing page, here are your options:

Plan	Price	Executions	Best For
Community (Self-hosted)	Free	Unlimited	Developers, technical teams
Starter	$24/month	2,500	Freelancers, early startups
Pro	$50/month	10,000	Growing SMEs, agencies
Enterprise	Custom	Unlimited	Large organizations

An "execution" is a single run of your entire workflow, regardless of complexity. This differs from Zapier and Make, which charge per individual operation.

Getting Started with n8n

Option 1: n8n Cloud (Fastest)

Sign up at n8n.io
Start your 14-day free trial
Build your first workflow using templates

Option 2: Self-Hosted (Most Control)

According to DigitalOcean's n8n guide, you can self-host using:

Docker (recommended for most users)
npm installation
Kubernetes for enterprise scale

# Quick start with Docker
docker run -it --rm \
  --name n8n \
  -p 5678:5678 \
  n8nio/n8n

Option 3: Templates Library

Browse 7,889+ community templates to find pre-built workflows. Simply import, add your credentials, and activate.

n8n vs Competitors: Quick Comparison

Feature	n8n	Zapier	Make
Self-hosting	Yes	No	No
Open source	Yes (fair-code)	No	No
Integrations	400+	8,000+	2,500+
Pricing model	Per execution	Per task	Per operation
Learning curve	Moderate	Easy	Moderate
AI features	Native nodes	Limited	Limited

For a detailed comparison, see our n8n alternatives guide.

Integrating n8n with LinkedIn Automation

One powerful use case is combining n8n with LinkedIn automation. ConnectSafely's n8n integration provides community nodes that enable:

Automated connection requests: Trigger outreach based on CRM events
Profile engagement: Auto-follow users from Google Sheets lists
Message sequences: Send personalized messages with AI-generated content
Lead syncing: Push LinkedIn data to your CRM automatically

This integration uses our platform-compliant approach, ensuring your LinkedIn account stays safe while automating engagement.

Example Workflow: LinkedIn Lead Generation

New lead in HubSpot → Wait 2 days → Send LinkedIn connection →
Wait for acceptance → Send personalized message → Log to HubSpot

See our n8n LinkedIn templates for ready-to-use workflows.

n8n News & Updates 2026

Major Funding Round

According to Tracxn, n8n secured $180 million in Series C funding in late 2025, reaching a $2.5 billion valuation. Investors include:

Accel
Nvidia Ventures
Meritech Capital
Deutsche Telekom Ventures

Enterprise Features

New enterprise capabilities announced at n8n Community include:

SSO SAML and LDAP authentication
Advanced RBAC permissions
Audit logs and log streaming
Workflow history and versioning

Performance Milestone

n8n now handles up to 220 workflow executions per second on a single instance, making it suitable for high-volume enterprise deployments.

n8n vs Zapier vs Make: Quick Comparison

Choosing the right automation platform depends on your technical skills, budget, and specific requirements. Here's how n8n compares to the most popular alternatives:

Feature	n8n	Zapier	Make (Integromat)
Pricing Model	Per execution	Per task	Per operation
Free Plan	Unlimited (self-hosted)	100 tasks/month	1,000 operations/month
Starting Price	$24/month (cloud)	$19.99/month	$9/month
Self-Hosting	Yes (free)	No	No
Open Source	Yes (fair-code)	No	No
Integrations	400+	8,000+	2,500+
Learning Curve	Moderate	Easy	Moderate
Custom Code	JavaScript, Python	Limited (webhooks)	Limited (functions)
AI Features	Native LLM nodes	Via third-party apps	Limited
Execution Model	Per workflow run	Per individual task	Per individual operation
Visual Editor	Node-based	Linear steps	Visual flowchart
Best For	Technical teams, developers	Non-technical users	Visual thinkers, agencies

Cost Example: Real-World Scenario

Let's say you have a workflow that:

Triggers when a new lead enters HubSpot (1 operation)
Enriches data via Clearbit (1 operation)
Adds to Google Sheets (1 operation)
Sends a Slack notification (1 operation)

Monthly cost for 1,000 executions:

n8n: 1,000 executions = stays within $24 Starter plan
Zapier: 4,000 tasks = $69/month Pro plan
Make: 4,000 operations = $29/month Core plan

For complex workflows with many steps, n8n's execution-based pricing becomes significantly more cost-effective.

When to Choose Each Platform

Choose n8n if you:

Need self-hosting for data privacy or compliance
Want to avoid per-task pricing for complex workflows
Have technical team members who can handle moderate complexity
Need custom code flexibility (JavaScript/Python)
Want to integrate AI/LLM capabilities natively
Prefer open-source tools you can modify

Choose Zapier if you:

Need the widest selection of pre-built integrations (8,000+)
Prefer the simplest possible user interface
Have non-technical team members building automations
Don't mind cloud-only hosting
Value extensive documentation and support

Choose Make if you:

Prefer visual flowchart-style workflows
Need a balance between affordability and features
Want more advanced routing than Zapier
Don't require self-hosting
Need solid integration variety at lower cost

For a deeper analysis, read our complete n8n alternatives comparison.

Getting Started with n8n in 5 Minutes

The fastest way to experience n8n is through their cloud platform. Here's how to create your first automation in under 5 minutes:

Step 1: Sign Up for n8n Cloud (1 minute)

Visit n8n.io and click "Get Started"
Enter your email and create a password
Choose "Cloud" when prompted (14-day free trial, no credit card required)

Step 2: Create Your First Workflow (2 minutes)

Once logged in, you'll see the n8n editor:

Click "Add first step" or the "+" button
Search for "Schedule Trigger"
Set it to run every day at 9 AM

Step 3: Add an Action Node (1 minute)

Click the "+" after your trigger node
Search for an app you use (Gmail, Slack, Notion, etc.)
For beginners, try "HTTP Request" to fetch data from any API

Example beginner workflow:

Schedule Trigger (Daily at 9 AM) →
HTTP Request (Get quote from API) →
Slack (Post to #quotes channel)

Step 4: Connect Your Accounts (30 seconds)

Click on the app node you added
Click "Create New Credential"
Follow the OAuth flow to connect (usually just clicking "Allow")

Step 5: Test and Activate (30 seconds)

Click "Test workflow" in the top right
Verify the workflow executes correctly
Click "Activate" to turn it on

Common First Automations for Beginners

Start with these simple but powerful workflows from n8n's template library:

1. Daily Weather Updates

Schedule Trigger → Weather API → Email or Slack notification
Perfect for learning API requests and notifications

2. Google Sheets to Email

Google Sheets Trigger (when row added) → Gmail (send email)
Learn about spreadsheet automation and email sending

3. Form Submissions to CRM

Webhook Trigger → Airtable or HubSpot (create contact)
Understand webhooks and CRM integrations

4. Social Media Cross-Posting

RSS Trigger (new blog post) → Twitter + LinkedIn (post update)
Automate content distribution across platforms

5. Slack Bot Responder

Slack Trigger (mention) → OpenAI (generate response) → Slack (reply)
Experience AI-powered automation

Quick Tips for New Users

Use templates: Don't start from scratch. Import community templates and customize them.
Test individual nodes: Click "Execute Node" to test each step before running the full workflow.
Check the console: The execution log shows exactly what data passed between nodes—essential for debugging.
Start simple: Master basic linear workflows before attempting branching logic or loops.
Join the community: When stuck, the n8n community forum has answers to most beginner questions.

For LinkedIn automation specifically, check out our ConnectSafely n8n integration guide with ready-to-use templates for outreach, engagement, and lead generation.

n8n Community and Resources

n8n has one of the most active and helpful communities in the automation space. Whether you're troubleshooting issues, seeking workflow ideas, or learning advanced techniques, these resources will accelerate your n8n journey.

Official n8n Resources

n8n Documentation

Comprehensive guides covering every node and feature
Step-by-step tutorials for common use cases
API reference for developers
Best resource for technical questions and node parameters

n8n Community Forum

50,000+ active members sharing workflows and solutions
Official support from the n8n team
Categories for specific use cases (AI, integrations, self-hosting)
Search before posting—most questions are already answered

n8n Blog

Product announcements and feature releases
In-depth tutorials and workflow breakdowns
AI automation guides and LLM integration tips
Updated weekly with new content

n8n YouTube Channel

Video tutorials for visual learners
Workflow walkthroughs and demos
Community showcase features
New videos every week

Workflow Templates and Examples

Official Template Library

7,889+ community-contributed workflows
Filter by category, app, or use case
One-click import into your n8n instance
Covers everything from simple automations to complex AI agents

n8n Resources Hub

Curated collection of high-quality workflows
Advanced AI and LLM automation examples
Integration patterns and best practices
Maintained by experienced community members

Community Channels

n8n Discord Server

Real-time chat with other n8n users
Quick help for troubleshooting
Channels for specific topics (AI, self-hosting, integrations)
Community events and workflow challenges

n8n Reddit Community

Discussions, workflow showcases, and questions
Less formal than the official forum
Good for general advice and inspiration

GitHub Repository

Source code for developers
Report bugs and request features
Contribute to the project
View development roadmap

Learning Resources

For Beginners:

DigitalOcean's n8n Guide - Excellent starting point for self-hosting
HatchWorks n8n Tutorial - Comprehensive beginner walkthrough
n8n's own Getting Started Guide - Official quickstart

For Advanced Users:

AI Agents & LLM Automation - Build sophisticated AI workflows
Custom Node Development - Create your own integrations
n8n API Documentation - Programmatic workflow management

Third-Party Integrations

ConnectSafely for LinkedIn Automation

n8n + LinkedIn Integration Guide
Pre-built templates for outreach and engagement
Platform-compliant automation that protects your account
Combine n8n workflows with LinkedIn lead generation

Stay Updated

Newsletter & Updates:

Subscribe to the n8n newsletter for monthly updates
Follow @n8n_io on Twitter/X for real-time announcements
Check Release Notes for new features

Community Events:

Monthly community calls showcasing user workflows
Hackathons and workflow competitions
Webinars on advanced topics and new features

The n8n community is known for being welcoming to newcomers. Don't hesitate to ask questions, share your workflows, or contribute your own templates. The collective knowledge of thousands of users makes problem-solving faster and learning more enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is n8n used for?

n8n is used to automate repetitive tasks by connecting different apps and services. Common uses include syncing data between tools, automating marketing workflows, processing documents with AI, and building custom integrations. Unlike Zapier, n8n offers self-hosting and deeper customization options.

Is n8n really free?

Yes, the self-hosted Community Edition is completely free with unlimited executions. You can run it on your own server indefinitely. Cloud plans start at $24/month with a 14-day free trial. See the official pricing page for details.

Is n8n better than Zapier?

It depends on your needs. n8n is better for technical teams wanting self-hosting, custom code, and cost-effective scaling. Zapier is better for non-technical users needing quick setup and 8,000+ integrations. n8n charges per workflow execution while Zapier charges per task, making n8n significantly cheaper for complex automations.

How hard is n8n to learn?

n8n has a moderate learning curve—easier than coding but harder than Zapier. Most users can build basic automations within hours using templates. According to HatchWorks, the platform is "designed for flexibility first," which means more power but more complexity.

Can n8n automate LinkedIn?

Yes, through integrations like ConnectSafely's n8n nodes. You can automate connection requests, messaging, profile engagement, and lead syncing. Our platform ensures automations stay within LinkedIn's guidelines to protect your account.

What programming language does n8n use?

n8n is built on Node.js and allows custom code in JavaScript or Python. However, most users build workflows visually without writing code. The code option is available when you need advanced data transformation or custom logic.

Ready to automate LinkedIn with n8n? Install ConnectSafely's n8n nodes and start building workflows that attract qualified leads on autopilot.