n8n Workflow: Basic HTTP Request and Conditional Logic

This n8n workflow demonstrates a fundamental automation pattern: making an HTTP request and then conditionally processing its response. It's a simple yet powerful template for integrating with external APIs and building decision-making into your workflows.

What it does

This workflow performs the following steps:

1. Manual Trigger: The workflow is initiated manually by clicking the "Execute workflow" button.
2. HTTP Request: It makes an HTTP request to a specified URL. The configuration of this request (method, URL, headers, body) would need to be defined within the node.
3. Conditional Logic (If): It then evaluates the response from the HTTP request using an "If" node. This node allows you to define conditions (e.g., checking for specific status codes, data values, or error messages) to determine the subsequent path of the workflow.
4. Code Execution (Optional): A "Code" node is included, which can be used to execute custom JavaScript logic. This could be for data transformation, advanced filtering, or generating dynamic outputs based on the HTTP response.
5. Sticky Note (Documentation): A "Sticky Note" is present, likely for documentation or temporary comments within the workflow.

Prerequisites/Requirements

• n8n Instance: You need an active n8n instance to import and run this workflow.
• API/Service: The "HTTP Request" node will require a target API or web service to interact with. You will need to know the endpoint URL, required HTTP method (GET, POST, etc.), and any necessary authentication or request body.

Setup/Usage

1. Import the Workflow:
   • Copy the provided JSON code.
   • In your n8n instance, go to "Workflows".
   • Click "New" or the "+" icon.
   • Click on the three dots menu (...) and select "Import from JSON".
   • Paste the JSON code and click "Import".
2. Configure the HTTP Request Node:
   • Click on the "HTTP Request" node.
   • Set the URL, Method, and any other relevant options (e.g., Headers, Query Parameters, Body Content) according to the API you wish to call.
   • If the API requires authentication, configure the appropriate Credentials for the HTTP Request node.
3. Configure the If Node:
   • Click on the "If" node.
   • Define your Conditions based on the expected output of the HTTP Request node. For example, you might check {{ $json.statusCode === 200 }} to verify a successful response, or {{ $json.data.status === 'success' }} to check a specific field in the response body.
   • The "True" and "False" branches of the If node can then be connected to further nodes to handle different outcomes.
4. Configure the Code Node (Optional):
   • If you need custom JavaScript logic, click on the "Code" node.
   • Write your JavaScript code to process the incoming data ($json) and return new data.
5. Activate the Workflow:
   • Once configured, click the "Active" toggle in the top right corner of the workflow editor to enable it.
6. Execute the Workflow:
   • Click the "Execute Workflow" button on the "Manual Trigger" node to run the workflow manually and test its functionality.

This workflow serves as a foundational example for building more complex integrations and conditional automations within n8n.