n8n-workflow-patterns

name	n8n-workflow-patterns
description	Proven workflow architectural patterns for n8n. Use when building or designing new workflows. [SAFE]

n8n Workflow Patterns

Build workflows using proven architectural patterns from real-world usage.

Core Patterns

1. Webhook Processing: Receive HTTP requests → Transform → Respond.
   • Key Gotcha: Payload is under $json.body.
2. HTTP API Integration: Trigger → Fetch from REST API → Transform → Store.
3. Database Operations: Schedule → ETL (Extract, Transform, Load) → Sync.
4. AI Agent Workflow: Trigger → AI Agent (Model + Tools + Memory) → Output.
5. Scheduled Tasks: Recurring reports, cleanup, or data fetching.
6. Batch Processing: Handle large datasets using SplitInBatches.

Workflow Creation Checklist

• Plan: Identify the pattern and nodes (use search_nodes).
• Build: Create workflow and connect nodes.
• Configure: Set credentials and parameters (use get_node).
• Validate: Check each node (use validate_node) and the whole workflow.
• Deploy: Test with sample data and activate.

Loop Patterns (SplitInBatches)

• main[0] = Done (fires once after all items are processed).
• main[1] = Batch (fires for each batch).
• Tip: Always add a Limit 1 node after the main[0] output to aggregate results.