# n8n

> Self-hostable workflow automation tool with a visual canvas, code steps and AI agents

- Repository: https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n
- Category: Automation & workflows
- Stars: 208,355 · Forks: 61,218 · Language: TypeScript · License: not stated
- Experience: Beginner friendly
- Page: https://ir.adyog.com/repos/n8n-io/n8n/

n8n lets you connect apps and services into automated workflows. You draw each workflow as a chain of nodes on a canvas. Each node does one job, such as fetching data, calling an API or asking a language model a question.

It also supports multi-step AI agents. Per the README, you can connect OpenAI, Anthropic, Google or open-source models and switch providers without redesigning the workflow. You can add logic, tool use and human approval steps.

Compared with purely no-code tools, n8n lets you drop into JavaScript, Python and npm packages when the visual nodes aren't enough. You can run it on your own server. The license is fair-code (Sustainable Use License), so the source is visible but it isn't a standard open-source license.

## What it does

- **Visual canvas plus code**: Build workflows by connecting nodes, and add JavaScript, Python or npm packages for custom logic.
- **AI agents and workflows**: Build multi-step AI workflows with your own data, models and tools, including human approvals and observability.
- **Model flexibility**: Connect to OpenAI, Anthropic, Google or open-source models and change providers without changing the architecture.
- **1500+ integrations and templates**: Connect to existing systems using the built-in integrations, and start from 9,000+ community workflow templates.
- **Self-host or cloud**: Run it yourself with Docker or use the hosted cloud. Enterprise options include role-based access and audit trails.

## What you could build

- Build an AI agent that answers questions using your own data and tools.
- Automate routine tasks by moving data between apps such as CRMs, spreadsheets and chat tools.
- Add a human approval step before an AI-generated action runs.
- Self-host an automation server for data you don't want on a third-party service.
- Start from a community template and adapt it to your own process.

## Who it's for

Suits developers, ops people and technical hobbyists who want to automate work between apps. Basic Docker knowledge helps for self-hosting, and the license terms are worth reading before commercial use.

## Get started

Install Docker, then run either the install script or the Docker commands. Open http://localhost:5678 in your browser to reach the editor.

```
curl -fsSL https://get.n8n.io | sh
```
```
docker volume create n8n_data
```
```
docker run -it --rm --name n8n -p 5678:5678 -v n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n docker.n8n.io/n8nio/n8n
```

Tags: workflow-automation, ai-agents, self-hosted, low-code, integrations