build-n8n-workflow

name	build-n8n-workflow
description	Build a workflow in this n8n instance without the n8n MCP — using the @n8n/workflow-sdk (parse + validate, locally) and the n8n REST API (create). Use when the user asks to create/automate an n8n workflow. This skill IS the recipe; the n8n CLI tool is the only primitive you call.
version	1.0.0
license	MIT

Build an n8n workflow (SDK + REST, no MCP)

n8n ships a 25-tool MCP to build workflows. You don't need it. The same capability is here as: one CLI primitive backed by @n8n/workflow-sdk (parse code → JSON, validate — locally) and the n8n REST API (create). This skill is the procedure; follow it in order.

The CLI: node src/n8n-skill.mjs <reference|search-nodes|node-types|validate|create>. These map 1:1 onto the MCP's build tools (get_sdk_reference, search_nodes, get_node_types, validate_workflow, create_workflow_from_code).

Recipe

1. Learn the syntax (once). Run node src/n8n-skill.mjs reference patterns (and reference rules if needed). This is the SDK reference, straight from the package — the equivalent of the MCP's get_sdk_reference.

   Unfamiliar with which node to use, or its parameters? search-nodes <need> gives node-selection guidance; gives exact parameters (see below). For the common nodes the templates above + the loop are enough — don't over-fetch.