n8n Workflow: Basic Workflow Structure Example

This n8n workflow provides a foundational example of how to structure a workflow using common core nodes like HTTP Request, If, Set, Switch, and Code. It's designed to illustrate basic data manipulation, conditional logic, and external API interaction within an n8n environment.

Description

This workflow serves as a template for building more complex automations. It demonstrates how to initiate a workflow manually, make an HTTP request, apply conditional logic to route data, transform data fields, and execute custom JavaScript code.

What it does

1. Starts Manually: The workflow is triggered manually, allowing for on-demand execution.
2. Makes an HTTP Request: It performs an HTTP request, which can be configured to interact with any external API or web service.
3. Applies Conditional Logic (If): Data from the HTTP request is then passed through an "If" node, allowing the workflow to branch based on specific conditions (e.g., success/failure of the HTTP request, specific data values).
4. Transforms Data (Edit Fields - Set): On one branch (likely the "true" or success path), an "Edit Fields (Set)" node is used to manipulate or add new fields to the incoming data.
5. Applies Multi-Conditional Logic (Switch): Another "Switch" node is used to introduce more complex branching based on multiple possible values of a specific data field.
6. Executes Custom Code: A "Code" node is included to demonstrate how to run custom JavaScript logic, which can be used for advanced data processing, formatting, or integration tasks.
7. Includes Sticky Note: A "Sticky Note" is present for documentation purposes, allowing users to add comments or explanations directly within the workflow canvas.

Prerequisites/Requirements

• n8n Instance: You need a running n8n instance (cloud or self-hosted) to import and execute this workflow.
• No specific external services are strictly required for this basic structure to run, but the HTTP Request node will likely need to be configured to interact with a specific API for a real-world use case.

Setup/Usage

1. Import the Workflow:
   • Copy the provided JSON code.
   • In your n8n instance, go to "Workflows" and click "New".
   • Click on the "Import from JSON" button (usually a cloud icon with an arrow pointing down) and paste the JSON code.
   • Click "Import".
2. Configure Nodes (Optional but Recommended):
   • HTTP Request (Node 19): Configure the URL, method, headers, and body according to the API you wish to call.
   • If (Node 20): Define the conditions for branching based on the output of the HTTP Request node.
   • Edit Fields (Set) (Node 38): Specify which fields to add, modify, or remove.
   • Switch (Node 112): Define the expression and cases for multi-conditional routing.
   • Code (Node 834): Write your custom JavaScript code to process data as needed.
3. Execute the Workflow:
   • Click the "Execute Workflow" button (play icon) in the top right corner of the n8n editor. Since it starts with a "Manual Trigger," this will initiate the flow.

This workflow serves as an excellent starting point for understanding fundamental n8n concepts and can be easily expanded upon for specific automation needs.