Blogs & Webinars

Session 20: Introduction to n8n

In this introduction course, we're building an automated linkedin post generator using n8n

n8n is on eof the best tools out there to build agents. We're very happy to bring a session on introduction to n8n.

Today we have Karthikeyan Natarajan taking us through this. He is a program management leader and a long time member of Applied AI Club.

If you've missed the session or if you'd like to go through it again, here's the session video - https://youtu.be/j5WG2hXHKds?si=mt43adT_vaizo1WO

Here's the notes from the meeting:

Below is a summary of Applied AI Club's session on Introduction to n8n with guest speaker Karthikeyan.

Meeting Purpose Demonstrate how to use N8N, an open-source workflow automation platform with AI capabilities, to create a LinkedIn post generator.

Key Takeaways

  • N8N is a low-code automation tool that allows easy integration of AI models and various APIs
  • The demo showcased building a workflow to generate LinkedIn posts with AI-created images
  • N8N offers both cloud-hosted and self-hosted options, with pricing based on workflow executions rather than individual node runs
  • For complex workflows, N8N can be more cost-effective than alternatives like Zapier or Make

Topics Introduction to N8N

  • Open-source workflow automation platform with native AI capabilities
  • Low-code tool written in TypeScript, running on Node.js
  • Over 150 integrations available
  • Offers 14-day free trial for cloud-hosted version
  • Open-source version available under fair-code license with some usage restrictions

N8N Basics

  • Workflows built using "nodes" as basic building blocks
  • Triggers initiate workflows (e.g., chat, form, webhook)
  • Nodes perform actions and can be connected to create complex workflows
  • User interface allows easy visualization of inputs/outputs between nodes

Demo: LinkedIn Post Generator Workflow

  1. Form Trigger: Collects topic input
  2. AI Agent (Post Writer): Generates post content using OpenAI GPT model
  3. AI Agent (Prompt Writer): Creates image prompt based on post content
  4. OpenAI Image Generation: Uses DALL-E 3 to create image from prompt
  5. HTTP Request: Uploads generated image to ImageBB for storage
  6. Human-in-the-Loop: Sends email for approval using Gmail integration
  7. Switch Node: Handles approval/rejection logic
  8. LinkedIn Integration: Posts approved content to LinkedIn

N8N Features and Capabilities

  • Integration with various APIs and services (e.g., OpenAI, LinkedIn, Gmail)
  • Built-in AI agents with customizable prompts and models
  • HTTP request handling for external API calls
  • Conditional logic using switch nodes
  • Human-in-the-loop processes for approval workflows

Hosting and Pricing Considerations

  • Cloud-hosted version: Easier setup, includes AI features, pricing based on workflow executions
  • Self-hosted version: More control, potential cost savings, requires technical setup
  • N8N can be more cost-effective for complex workflows compared to Zapier or Make

Next Steps

  • Explore N8N's documentation for more advanced features and integrations
  • Consider use cases within your organization for workflow automation
  • Evaluate cloud-hosted vs. self-hosted options based on security and cost requirements
  • Sign up for Applied AI Club (www.applieday.club) for future sessions and discussions

Here's the entire recording of the session.