What n8n is and why teams self host it

n8n (pronounced "n eight n") is a workflow automation platform. Like Zapier or Make, it connects apps and moves data between them with triggers and actions. What makes it different is how it is distributed and how far it lets you go technically.

Key characteristics

• Self hostable: you can run n8n on your own laptop or server with Docker or npm. There is also a hosted n8n Cloud service if you prefer not to manage infrastructure.
• Fair code licence: the source code is available and free to self host for internal use under n8n's Sustainable Use License, with restrictions on offering n8n itself as a commercial service. Check the licence terms for your situation.
• Visual plus code: you build workflows visually, but can add JavaScript or Python in a Code node, write expressions in any field and call any HTTP API.
• No per task pricing when self hosted: workflows that process thousands of items do not increase a bill, though your server needs enough resources.

Why teams choose it

• Data control: sensitive data stays on infrastructure you control, which helps with privacy requirements and internal policies.
• Cost at volume: high volume workflows that would be expensive on task based tools can be cheap on a modest server.
• Flexibility: when an integration does not exist, the HTTP Request node and Code node usually fill the gap.
• Integration with internal systems: n8n can run inside your network and reach internal databases and APIs that hosted tools cannot.

The trade offs

Self hosting means you are responsible for:

• Keeping the server secure and updated.
• Backups of workflows, credentials and execution data.
• Monitoring that the service is up.
• Scaling when workloads grow.

For a small team without technical support, n8n Cloud or a hosted tool may be simpler. This course shows the work involved honestly so you can decide.

What we will build

You will start with n8n running locally, learn its data model and building blocks, then move to a production style setup with Postgres, HTTPS and backups. Along the way you will build workflows that real teams use: a CRM sync, a webhook intake, a scheduled report and an AI assisted ticket summary.

Make sure Docker is installed before the next lesson. On macOS and Windows, Docker Desktop is the easiest way; on Linux, install Docker Engine from your distribution or Docker's repository.