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What is n8n? The Open-Source Automation Tool Built for Developers
News
What is n8n?
n8n is a workflow automation tool that lets you connect different software services like Gmail, Notion, GitHub, or custom APIs, and build automations between them using a visual, node-based editor.
Think of it as a digital assistant that follows your logic:
“When this happens, do that.”
But unlike other no-code automation tools, n8n is:
Open-source
Self-hostable
Developer-friendly
Fully customizable
Whether you're a developer building internal tools, a solo founder automating ops, or just someone tired of repetitive tasks, n8n gives you total control.
Who Created n8n and Why?
n8n was created in 2019 by Jan Oberhauser, a developer who was frustrated by the limitations of existing tools like Zapier:
"Why can’t I just self-host this stuff? Why do I hit limits so quickly? Why is everything closed and rigid?"
Instead of trying to hack around commercial platforms, he built n8n, short for "Node for Node" from the ground up as an open platform for building, sharing, and evolving workflows.
His vision was simple:
🛠 Make automation accessible and free from platform lock-in.
n8n quickly gained traction in the dev and open-source communities, eventually being backed by venture capital and used by thousands of teams worldwide.
Feature | n8n | Zapier / Make / Others |
|---|---|---|
Open-source | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
Self-hostable | ✅ Full control | ❌ Not allowed |
Custom code support | ✅ Built-in Function nodes | ❌ Often restricted |
Workflow complexity | 🧠 Unlimited branches/logic | 🚫 Capped by plan/tier |
Pricing | 💸 Free (self-host) | 💰 Pay-per-step |
n8n empowers technical users to build things others simply can't:
Use internal APIs
Run logic-heavy workflows
Add your own code where needed
Keep data fully private on your own server
Who is n8n For?
Developers: Build advanced automations and integrate your stack without vendor restrictions.
Startups: Connect tools like Stripe, Airtable, Notion, and Slack without adding another SaaS bill.
Ops & Product Teams: Automate repetitive internal processes with clarity and speed.
Tech-Savvy Makers: Create AI agents, build alert systems, or run newsletters all visually.
Where Do You Run It?
That’s the magic part anywhere.
Because n8n is open-source, you can:
Self-host it on your own server
Run it in a Docker container
Or (even better) launch it on Raff in seconds using our prebuilt n8n template.
In a world full of limited no-code tools and rigid SaaS platforms, n8n stands out it’s open, flexible, and designed for creators who want full control.
Whether you're automating simple tasks or building advanced workflows, n8n gives you the freedom to create without restrictions.
Want to try n8n right now?
You can launch a ready-to-use n8n environment on Raff in seconds no server setup, no hassle, just pure automation power.
👉 Start automating on Raff → www.rafftechnologies.com