Introduction
➤ Are you bored with your same daily tasks of checking emails and other work, and want there is something to automate these tasks without using a single line of code? Or you want to explore automation tools and technologies, but don’t have an idea for where to start. That is when n8n comes in.
➤ If you are not aware of the n8n automation tool or only know basic about this tool and want to explore more in AI technologies, this blog is an excellent starting point for you. The n8n is an easy-to-use automation tool that allows you to integrate other apps, streamline your routine tasks, and integrate with AI tools without coding.
➤ In this n8n first automation tutorial, we will go through each step of setting up and developing your first no-code automation. Either you are new to n8n no-code automation or prefer to include AI into your daily life, this blog will help you get started fast and comfortably.
What is n8n and why use it for Automation?
➤ n8n is an open-source automation of workflows platform that connects apps, APIs, and AI models using an interactive, drag-and-drop interface. It is considered a no-code environment where you can create complicated workflows without requiring programming expertise.
➤ Here’s why n8n is popular among beginners and professionals alike:
- No-code automation is ideal for non-developers who prefer not to use scripts.
- AI-ready features include native integration with OpenAI, Hugging Face, Stability AI, and more.
- It is open-source and adaptable. Unlike Zapier or Make, n8n allows you to self-host and have complete control.
- Scalable workflows allow you to start small and grow with over 350 integrations.
➤ For new users, n8n is an excellent solution for quickly building your first automation while also providing room for complex use cases.
Should you use n8n cloud or self-hosted?
➤ Before you start creating your first automation tutorial with n8n, you have to decide where it will execute n8n. There are two major options: n8n Cloud and self-hosted.
➤ Option 1: Cloud
- Pros:
- There is no setup or installation required for developers – it is ready to use right away.
- Updates and maintenance are performed automatically.
- Ideal for beginners who want to test their first process.
- Cons:
- Following the trial, I paid for the subscription.
- Less control over the hosting environment.
➤ Option 2: Self-hosted (n8)
- Pros:
- It is completely free to use.
- Full control over the data and server environment.
- Ideal for firms that value security.
- Cons:
- Server setup is required (Docker or VPS).
- Non-technical users will experience a slightly steeper learning curve.
- The suggestion is: For beginners, start with n8n Cloud for its simplicity. When you’re ready, go to a self-hosted configuration to save money and gain more control.
Secure your AI: How to set up openAI (or other AI) credentials in n8n
➤ Because this blog will use the AI-powered workflow, you will need to save a connection for n8n to OpenAI (or another AI provider).
➤ Below are the steps to generate an API key in the n8n AI automation tutorial:
- Sign up at OpenAI. Create an account with OpenAI.
- Get your API key. Create a new API key from your OpenAI dashboard.
- Open n8n Credentials Manager. Navigate to Credentials > Add New.
- Select OpenAI and then select “OpenAI API” from the list.
- Put the API key you copied from OpenAI as credentials, and it will save for the future.
- Save and Test. To validate that the connection works, click Test.
➤ The above steps validate that your n8n workflow is AI-ready and allow you to create a workflow with open AI and other AI technologies.
Step-by-step: Build your first n8n tutorial in 10 minutes
➤ Now we are getting started with n8n. At the beginning, we are doing a simple 4-step workflow
➤ Step 1: Add a start node
- This node initiates your workflow.
- For beginners, utilize the Manual Trigger (Start node) to perform short tests.
➤ Step 2: Add a set node
- Here, you specify the input text or data.
- Enter a short paragraph that you want AI to summarise.
- If you want to summarise internet content, you can also include a link to the webpage.
➤ Step 3: Add an AI node (OpenAI)
- Drag and drop the OpenAI node into the workflow.
- Set it to execute a summary operation.
- Example prompt: “Summarize this text in three bullet points.”
➤ Step 4: Add an output node.
- For testing this workflow, users can display the response using the Console Output generated by AI.
- Afterwards, once users get a basic understanding, they can save and send the results to Google Sheets, Slack, or email anywhere they want.
