n8n (pronounced 'n-eight-n') is an open-source workflow automation platform that lets you connect apps and services through a visual node-based interface. It's similar to Zapier or Make but with two critical differences: it can be self-hosted on your own infrastructure, and it has code nodes that allow custom JavaScript or Python when the visual builder isn't enough.
For businesses handling sensitive data, healthcare practices with PHI, financial firms with PII, the self-hosting capability is the primary advantage. Your data never leaves your infrastructure, which simplifies HIPAA and compliance requirements significantly.
n8n supports hundreds of built-in integrations and can connect to any system with an API through its HTTP Request node. Workflows can include conditional logic, loops, error handling, and sub-workflows for complex business processes.
I use n8n for most client projects because it offers the right balance of visual simplicity for straightforward workflows and code-level power for complex ones. The self-hosting option means I can deploy automations inside a client's existing infrastructure rather than routing sensitive data through third-party servers.