Module 2: Getting Started with n8n

This module will provide you with a hands-on introduction to the n8n interface and its core concepts. By the end of this module, you will be comfortable navigating n8n and will understand how to create a simple workflow.

The n8n Interface

When you first open n8n, you will be greeted with a blank canvas. This is where you will build your workflows. The main components of the interface are:

• The Nodes Panel: On the left side of the screen, you will find a list of all the available nodes. You can search for a specific application or browse by category.

• The Canvas: This is the main area where you will drag and drop nodes to build your workflow.

• The Parameters Panel: When you select a node on the canvas, the parameters panel will appear on the right side of the screen. This is where you will configure the settings for that node.

Building Your First Workflow: A Simple Example

Let's build a very simple workflow that is triggered manually and sends a message to a Slack channel.

1. Add a Trigger Node: All workflows must start with a trigger node. For this example, we will use the "Manual" trigger, which allows us to start the workflow by clicking a button. Find the "Manual" trigger in the nodes panel and drag it onto the canvas.

2. Add a Slack Node: Search for the "Slack" node in the nodes panel and drag it onto the canvas.

3. Connect the Nodes: Hover your mouse over the small circle on the right side of the Manual node. Click and drag the line to the circle on the left side of the Slack node. This creates a connection between the two nodes.

4. Configure the Slack Node:

• Select the Slack node to open its parameters panel.

• You will need to authenticate with your Slack account. Click on the "Create New" button under "Credentials" and follow the instructions.

• In the "Channel" field, select the channel where you want to send the message.

• In the "Text" field, type the message you want to send (e.g., "Hello from n8n!").

1. Execute the Workflow: Click the "Execute Workflow" button at the bottom of the screen. You should see your message appear in the selected Slack channel.

Congratulations! You have just built and executed your first n8n workflow. This simple example demonstrates the basic principles of how n8n works. In the next module, we will build a more complex workflow that integrates with a raiaAI agent.