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# n8n

Workflow automation tool for connecting services and automating tasks.

## Overview

n8n is a powerful workflow automation tool that allows you to connect various apps and services together. It provides a visual interface for creating automated workflows, making it easy to integrate different systems and automate repetitive tasks.

## Features

- Visual workflow editor
- 400+ integrations
- Custom code execution (JavaScript/Python)
- Webhook support
- Scheduled workflows
- Error handling and retries
- User management
- API access
- Self-hosted and privacy-focused

## Access

- Default Port: 5678
- URL: `http://localhost:5678`
- Default User Email: Set via `N8N_DEFAULT_USER_EMAIL`
- Default User Password: Set via `N8N_DEFAULT_USER_PASSWORD`

## Configuration

### Environment Variables

- `N8N_HOST`: Hostname for n8n (default: `n8n.${DOMAIN}`)
- `N8N_PORT`: Internal port (5678)
- `N8N_PROTOCOL`: Protocol for webhooks (https)
- `NODE_ENV`: Environment (production)
- `WEBHOOK_URL`: Base URL for webhooks
- `GENERIC_TIMEZONE`: Timezone setting
- `N8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY`: Encryption key for credentials
- `N8N_USER_MANAGEMENT_DISABLED`: Enable/disable user management
- `N8N_DEFAULT_USER_EMAIL`: Default admin email
- `N8N_DEFAULT_USER_PASSWORD`: Default admin password

### Volumes

- `n8n_data`: Persistent data storage
- `./local-files`: Local file access for workflows

## Getting Started

1. Access n8n at `http://localhost:5678`
2. Log in with your admin credentials
3. Create your first workflow
4. Add nodes for different services
5. Configure connections between nodes
6. Test and activate your workflow

## Common Use Cases

### Documentation Automation

- Auto-generate documentation from code comments
- Sync documentation between different platforms
- Notify team when documentation is updated

### Email Campaign Integration

- Connect Listmonk with external data sources
- Automate subscriber management
- Trigger campaigns based on events

### Database Management with NocoDB

- Sync data between NocoDB and external APIs
- Automate data entry and validation
- Create backup workflows for database content
- Generate reports from NocoDB data

### Development Workflows

- Auto-deploy documentation on git push
- Sync code changes with documentation
- Backup automation

### Data Processing

- Process CSV files and import to databases
- Transform data between different formats
- Schedule regular data updates

## Example Workflows

### Simple Webhook to Email

    Webhook → Email

### Scheduled Documentation Backup

    Schedule → Read Files → Compress → Upload to Storage

### Git Integration

    Git Webhook → Process Changes → Update Documentation → Notify Team

## Security Considerations

- Use strong encryption keys
- Secure webhook URLs
- Regularly update credentials
- Monitor workflow executions
- Implement proper error handling

## Integration with Other Services

n8n can integrate with all services in your Changemaker Lite setup:

- Listmonk: Manage subscribers and campaigns
- PostgreSQL: Read/write database operations
- Code Server: File operations and git integration
- MkDocs: Documentation generation and updates

## Troubleshooting

### Common Issues

- Workflow Execution Errors: Check node configurations and credentials
- Webhook Issues: Verify URLs and authentication
- Connection Problems: Check network connectivity between services

### Debugging

    # Check container logs
    docker logs n8n-changemaker

    # Access container shell
    docker exec -it n8n-changemaker sh

    # Check workflow executions in the UI
    # Visit http://localhost:5678 → Executions

## Official Documentation

For comprehensive n8n documentation:

- n8n Documentation
- Community Workflows
- Node Reference
- GitHub Repository