n8n-node-config

name	n8n-node-config
description	Guidance on configuring n8n nodes, dependencies, and required fields. [SAFE]

n8n Node Configuration

Expert guide for configuring n8n nodes based on resource and operation.

Key Principles

1. Operation-Aware: Fields change based on the selected operation (e.g., Slack 'post' needs channel, but 'update' needs messageId).
2. Progressive Discovery: Use get_node with detail: "standard" first. Only use "full" if necessary.
3. Property Dependencies: Use displayOptions to understand when fields appear (e.g., sendBody: true reveals the body field).

Standard Workflow

1. Identify node type and operation.
2. Use get_node (standard) to see requirements.
3. Configure required fields.
4. Validate with validate_node.
5. Fix errors and iterate until valid.

Common Patterns

• HTTP/Database: Start minimal. Add authentication, method/operation, and then payload fields.
• Conditional (IF/Switch): Structure conditions based on the data type (string, number, boolean).
• Google Sheets: Avoid append with formula columns; use update via HTTP Request instead.

Patching Fields

Use patchNodeField in n8n_update_partial_workflow for surgical edits (like changing a single JS line) to avoid sending large code blocks.