n8n Workflow: Basic Data Transformation and Conditional Logic Example

This n8n workflow demonstrates a fundamental pattern of receiving data, applying conditional logic, performing a simple data transformation, and handling potential errors. It serves as a good starting point for understanding how to route data based on conditions and modify it within a workflow.

What it does

This workflow performs the following steps:

1. Manual Trigger: The workflow is initiated manually when you click the 'Execute workflow' button in n8n.
2. Edit Fields (Set): It then proceeds to a "Set" node, which is configured to modify or add fields to the incoming data. Note: As per the JSON, no specific fields are configured for modification, so it will pass the data through as is unless configured.
3. Conditional Logic (If): The workflow then evaluates the data using an "If" node. This node is designed to route data based on whether a condition is true or false.
   • True Branch: If the condition in the "If" node evaluates to true, the data flows to a "No Operation, do nothing" node. This node simply passes the data through without any changes and can be used as a placeholder or for debugging.
   • False Branch: If the condition in the "If" node evaluates to false, the data flows to a "Stop and Error" node, which will halt the workflow and report an error.
4. HTML (Optional Transformation): A disconnected "HTML" node is present in the workflow. While currently not connected to the main flow, it suggests a potential future step for parsing or generating HTML content from the data.
5. Sticky Note: A "Sticky Note" is included for documentation or comments within the workflow canvas.

Prerequisites/Requirements

• n8n Instance: You need a running n8n instance (self-hosted or cloud).

Setup/Usage

1. Import the Workflow:
   • Copy the provided JSON code.
   • In your n8n instance, go to "Workflows" and click "New".
   • Click the three dots in the top right corner and select "Import from JSON".
   • Paste the JSON code and click "Import".
2. Configure the "Edit Fields (Set)" node:
   • Open the "Edit Fields (Set)" node.
   • Currently, it's set to pass data through. You can add or modify fields here as needed for your specific use case. For example, you might add a new field like {"status": "processed"}.
3. Configure the "If" node:
   • Open the "If" node.
   • Define the condition(s) that will determine whether the workflow proceeds down the "True" or "False" branch. For example, you might check if a field from the previous "Set" node equals a certain value.
4. Execute the Workflow:
   • Click the "Execute Workflow" button (the play icon) on the "Manual Trigger" node to run the workflow manually and observe its behavior based on your "If" node configuration.
   • You can also activate the workflow to run it automatically based on a defined trigger (though this workflow is currently set for manual execution).