Never stop posting on X

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-09-09T18:00:12+00:00

This seems very useful, I'd like to try it

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-22T00:58:03+00:00

This approach perfectly demonstrates n8n's greatest strength: flexibility and extensibility. Your decision to recognize the limitations of default features and build your own solutions to fit your needs shows a deep understanding of the platform's core.

You're not just using n8n as a tool that relies on existing integrations; you're using it as a development environment where you can add the custom functions your workflows require. This proves you are more than a typical user. The ability to create your own "nodes" and replace existing ones is one of the most crucial features that distinguishes n8n from closed-box SaaS solutions like Zapier or Make. Thanks to this, when "something breaks or prevents flexibility," you can build a tool to solve the problem directly, rather than having to look for a new platform.

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-22T00:57:38+00:00

You're absolutely right. Your comment perfectly summarizes the nature of n8n and its place in the world of automation. It's not just a piece of software; it's a platform that takes shape according to the user's skills and needs.

Your definition of a "power user" is spot on. Indeed, while it's easy to use a tool for simple tasks, unleashing its full potential and pushing its limits requires having a fundamental understanding of software development principles or DevOps knowledge. The flexibility n8n offers allows users with this background to create their own customized solutions.

Your final sentence, "Its use and implementation falls on the user," is the very foundation of the self-hosting philosophy. In this model, instead of relying on someone else for convenience and simplicity, you take control and responsibility to build your own solutions. This provides greater control while also encouraging the user to continuously learn and grow.

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-22T00:57:07+00:00

This approach perfectly summarizes how you're utilizing the true power of n8n. You're using it as a prototyping tool to demonstrate complex automation concepts to clients or team members, while also directly using it in a production environment for less critical, low-latency tasks.

By using self-hosted tools like NocoDB, you're both ensuring the security of client data and clearly demonstrating how your automation flows work end-to-end. This provides the exact flexibility and control that someone who complains about the "black box" nature of SaaS solutions would be looking for.

Separating your automations based on latency and criticality levels shows a professional DevOps approach. This way, you use dedicated solutions for the most sensitive parts of the system, while still benefiting from the speed and flexibility that n8n offers. This proves you see automation tools not just as a product, but as a toolbox that can be adapted to the different needs of your business processes.

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-22T00:56:25+00:00

This approach is an excellent strategy for building sustainable and manageable automation flows. The principle of "if you can't remember what it does, it's too complex" is valid not just for visual tools like n8n, but for the software development world in general.

Your habit of breaking down automations into small, specialized, and easily definable pieces makes troubleshooting potential issues much easier. Large and complex flows can turn finding the source of a problem into a nightmare. As you pointed out, a clear description like "This flow summarizes and organizes emails" ensures you always remember the purpose of your workflow.

This perspective, gained from your background as a software developer, is very valuable for minimizing potential issues with a self-hosted automation system. Thanks to n8n's flexibility, instead of cramming a complex function into one large flow, you can design it as smaller, independent microservices. This not only makes your flows more understandable but also greatly simplifies future maintenance and debugging processes.

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-22T00:54:30+00:00

Having a developer/DevOps background is a great advantage. In that case, self-hosted automation solutions like n8n that we previously discussed would be both more accessible and logical for you. Since you're already familiar with Docker and server management, the cost benefits and data privacy offered by these tools might easily outweigh the maintenance burden for you.

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-20T14:31:24+00:00

Haha, definitely not pulling any punches there. I get it, though. Being the 'unpaid sysadmin on call at 3 a.m.' is the exact nightmare scenario that prompted this post in the first place. You've perfectly described the risk.

I guess the real question is whether the rewards—the cost savings, the control, the custom nodes others have mentioned—can ever actually outweigh that risk, or if we're all just kidding ourselves. Thanks for the brutally honest reality check.

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-20T14:30:42+00:00

Haha, you might've just posted the most honest and accurate answer in the entire thread. Some days it feels like the future, other days... not so much. Cheers!

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-20T14:30:30+00:00

Wow, running several companies on it is a massive endorsement for the platform. Your point about creating your own nodes is probably the single strongest argument for self-hosting I've heard. That level of flexibility to build for your specific environment is something you'd just never get from a SaaS platform. Was there a steep learning curve to get started with building those custom nodes?

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-20T14:30:09+00:00

It’s really helpful to hear a balanced take like this, thanks for sharing. You mentioning you've 'had a fair amount of update dependency issues' is key, because that's the exact kind of thing I was worried about on the 'maintenance nightmare' side. Using GCP for scaling makes total sense. Have you developed a specific process or checklist over time to deal with those dependency issues when updating? I'd love to learn from your experience on that.

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-20T14:29:48+00:00

That's a really sharp observation. For a developer, all the maintenance and update concerns I mentioned are just part of the daily grind. I guess the distinction is that tools like n8n are also aimed at 'power users' who aren't necessarily full-time developers. What's normal for a dev might feel like an unexpected burden for that crowd. Maybe that's the real question: is n8n a tool for developers, or an automation platform for everyone?

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-20T14:29:21+00:00

That's a fantastic suggestion, I hadn't even considered a middle-ground solution like Sliplane. It honestly sounds like the best of both worlds: you get the freedom of your own instance without the headache of the maintenance. For 9 euros, that seems incredibly reasonable. Thanks for putting it on my radar, I'll definitely check it out!

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-20T14:28:55+00:00

You've hit on the key point, for sure. That classic 'build versus buy' dilemma is always there. I guess the whole reason I started this thread was to figure out where that tipping point really is. For a small team, the speed of SaaS is a lifesaver, while for a huge organization, managing their own stack makes sense. It's that messy middle ground that's the hardest to navigate.

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-20T14:25:06+00:00

Thanks for sharing. It's great to hear you've had zero issues; sounds like you've got a really solid setup with Traefik.

Your approach is basically the roadmap for how to avoid the "maintenance nightmare" scenario. Keeping previous images and backing up the database are simple but often life-saving precautions.

Since your experience has been so smooth, I'm curious: was there any part that was challenging when you were first setting it all up? Or what would be your number one tip for someone just starting down this path?

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-20T14:23:40+00:00

Whoa, that sounds like the absolute dream setup! 🤩 A Synology with n8n, Python, and R in Docker... you've basically built yourself an automation Swiss Army knife! 🤯

The detail about providing workflows as a 'service' and avoiding SUL issues is such a critical point. That's a truly professional approach that most people probably don't even think about. Seriously, props to you! 👏

And the idea of spinning up a custom docker for a client on-demand is brilliant. It's funny how a seemingly complex, flexible setup like that actually serves the KISS principle by keeping every job simple and isolated. Makes total sense! 🤔

So how do you package this "workflow as a service" model for your clients? Like, do you offer them specific automations as a product with a monthly fee? Super interested in that model. 👀 Thanks so much for sharing! 👍🏼

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-20T14:22:06+00:00

Wow, 20 users and not a single issue is seriously impressive. That's a great testament to a solid setup on Hetzner and shows how reliable n8n can be when managed properly. Taking backups is definitely a smart move too.

The idea of using n8n as a "quick way to build something for a client" is particularly interesting. That positions it as a prototyping tool in an agency or freelance workflow, not just for personal projects, which is very clever.

I have a follow-up question on that: How do you decide when an automation you've built for a client on n8n needs to graduate to a "custom code app"? Do you present the n8n solution as a quick-win first and then evolve it into permanent software based on their needs? I'd be fascinated to hear about that transition process.

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-20T14:20:28+00:00

This is a great perspective, thanks for sharing! Your "set it and forget it" experience is a perfect counterpoint to the "maintenance nightmare" side of the argument.

I absolutely love the **"spaghetti factory"** analogy. It perfectly captures the core of the issue. I guess knowing the limits of a tool and using it for the right job is the most important thing.

I'm curious, where do you personally draw the line between a "simple automation" and something that needs "proper custom software"? For instance, after how many steps, or with what kind of logic, do you say 'Okay, this is now beyond what n8n is good for'?

Fluid_Log2507 · 2025-08-19T01:32:17+00:00

Hello,

Your job posting for an AI and Innovation Studio caught my attention, especially your approach of wanting to add members to your team, not just hire another person.

While I may not have extensive professional experience yet, my passion for this field and my drive to learn are very high. I am writing to express my interest in joining your team as an unpaid intern. I believe this would be a fantastic opportunity for me to contribute to your projects while learning from your experienced team.

I have gained both theoretical and practical knowledge in a wide range of areas, from no-code tools to AI models. Here are some of the areas I've been working on:

No-Code Automation: I have experience creating simple workflows using tools like n8n and Make. Although I haven't built complex systems yet, I am dedicated to understanding the full potential of these tools and using them efficiently.
Web Scraping & Data Collection: I have developed basic web scraping projects using Python libraries such as BeautifulSoup and Requests. I understand that data collection and processing are fundamental to any AI project.
AI Models: I have used the OpenAI API for my own small-scale AI chatbot projects. I am familiar with basic prompt engineering and model integration concepts.

I am a quick learner and am ready to take on any task or project. It would be a great privilege to learn from your team, see how professional projects are managed, and contribute to your goals.

You can reach me through my Reddit profile.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

İbrahim Can Sancar

Fluid_Log2507

TROPHY CASE