⚙️ Module 1: What is n8n & How to Use It (3 Ways)
Getting Started with n8n: Setup Options & Comparison with Other Tools
Getting Started with n8n: Setup Options & Comparison with Other Tools
1. What is n8n?
Open-source workflow automation tool.
No-code/low-code platform for connecting apps, automating tasks, and using AI.
Self-hosted or cloud-based.
Ideal for freelancers, startups, and businesses wanting full control.
2. n8n vs. Make.com vs. Zapier (Pros & Cons)
n8n
Pros:
Open-source & free to self-host
Flexible with advanced features & AI integrations
Cons:
Steeper learning curve
Manual setup needed for self-hosting
Make.com
Pros:
Many integrations out-of-the-box
Cons:
Paid tiers can get expensive
Limited custom code without workarounds
Zapier
Pros:
Easiest to use for beginners
Large app ecosystem
Cons:
Expensive as tasks scale
Limited customization & AI use |
3. Three Ways to Use n8n
✅ 3.1 Using the Cloud (Easiest)
Go to https://n8n.io/
Sign up using email or Google account.
Automatically provisioned, no installation needed.
Ideal for beginners and small businesses.
✅ 3.2 Install n8n on Local PC (Beginner-friendly Dev Option)
Ideal for learning and experimentation without extra cost.
Requirements:
Node.js (v18+) | Download Link: https://nodejs.org/en/download
npm (will be automatically installed by node.js installer)
Steps:
Install n8n
Once installation is completed run n8n
Access via: http://localhost:5678
To stop the hosting just press “Ctrl + c”
✅ 3.3 Use Docker (Best for Dev/Test/Production)
Perfect when you want to deploy it later in a cloud machine
Requirements:
Docker | Download Link: https://www.docker.com/products/docker-desktop/
Create a folder where all n8n data will be saved
Images > Search images to run > “search for n8nio/n8n” > Pull (the one with 100M+ downloads)
Run > Optional Settings > “Give Container Name” > “Host Port = 5678” > “Host Path = Created Folder Earlier” > “Container path = /home/node/.n8n” > Run
To stop hosting there is a stop button