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n8n

What is n8n?​

n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that allows you to connect different applications and services together. It is an open-source alternative to tools like Zapier or Make.

Deployment Variants​

n8n is available in three deployment configurations:

n8n (Default)​

  • Database: SQLite (embedded)
  • Use case: Simple deployments, testing, or low-volume workflows
  • Components: Single n8n container with built-in SQLite database

n8n with PostgreSQL​

  • Database: PostgreSQL (external)
  • Use case: Production deployments requiring better performance, scalability, and data persistence
  • Components:
    • n8n container
    • PostgreSQL 16 container
    • Automatic database configuration and health checks

n8n with PostgreSQL and Worker​

  • Database: PostgreSQL + Redis
  • Use case: High-volume production deployments with queue-based execution and parallel workflow processing
  • Components:
    • n8n main container
    • n8n-worker container for distributed execution
    • PostgreSQL 16 container
    • Redis container for queue management
    • Automatic database configuration and health checks

Extending n8n with Custom Dependencies​

To extend n8n with custom dependencies, add them to a custom Dockerfile:

FROM n8nio/n8n:latest

USER root
RUN apk update && apk add --no-cache wget ffmpeg

ENV N8N_HOST=${SUBDOMAIN}.${DOMAIN_NAME}
ENV N8N_PORT=5678
ENV N8N_PROTOCOL=https
ENV NODE_ENV=production
ENV WEBHOOK_URL=https://${SUBDOMAIN}.${DOMAIN_NAME}/

USER node