n8n is an open-source workflow automation tool that allows you to integrate and automate tasks across various services and applications. With Hostinger's "Ubuntu 24.04 with n8n" VPS template, n8n comes preinstalled within a Docker environment, allowing for quick and easy deployment of your automation workflows.
This guide will walk you through accessing, configuring, and managing your n8n instance.
Accessing the n8n Web Interface
Open the web browser and Navigate to https://n8n.[your-vps-hostname] in your web browser.
The first time, you'll be prompted to create an admin account and set up your n8n instance.
Building workflows
Creating workflows in n8n is a visual and intuitive process. Start by clicking the "New Workflow" button in the dashboard. This opens a blank canvas where you can begin building your automation. Nodes are the fundamental building blocks of workflows, representing tasks such as fetching data from an API, sending an email, or processing information. Drag and drop nodes from the node panel onto the canvas to get started.
Each node requires configuration to define its functionality. Click on a node to open its settings. For instance, if you use an HTTP Request node, you can specify details such as the request URL, method (GET, POST, etc.), and any necessary parameters or headers. Nodes can be connected by dragging lines from one node's output to another's input, establishing the sequence of tasks.
You can test the workflow once your nodes are connected by clicking the "Execute Workflow" button. This will run all connected nodes and display the results in real time, allowing you to troubleshoot and refine your automation.
Add a trigger node for workflows that need to run automatically. Examples of trigger nodes include the "Cron" node for scheduled executions or the "Webhook" node to start workflows in response to external events. When you are satisfied with your workflow, save it to ensure it persists in your n8n instance.
For example, consider building a workflow that integrates Gmail and Slack. Use a Gmail node to fetch unread emails and a Slack node to send the email content to a Slack channel. This simple workflow automates the process of notifying your team about new emails.
Updating n8n
It's important to keep your n8n version up to date. This ensures you get the latest features and fixes. Follow these steps in SSH to update n8n:
# Pull latest version
docker compose pull
# Stop and remove older version
docker compose down
# Start the container
docker compose up -d
Hostinger's "Ubuntu 24.04 with n8n" VPS template lets you quickly set up and manage workflow automation solutions. Whether you're integrating with APIs, automating business processes, or setting up scheduled jobs, n8n provides an intuitive and powerful platform.
If you would like more details and advanced usage, you can visit the official n8n documentation.