n8n-workflow-patterns

1# n8n Workflow Patterns
2 
3Proven architectural patterns for building n8n workflows.
4 
5---
6 
7## The 6 Core Patterns
8 
9Based on analysis of real workflow usage:
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111. **[Webhook Processing](webhook_processing.md)** (Most Common)
12   - Receive HTTP requests → Process → Output
13   - Pattern: Webhook → Validate → Transform → Respond/Notify
14 
152. **[HTTP API Integration](http_api_integration.md)**
16   - Fetch from REST APIs → Transform → Store/Use
17   - Pattern: Trigger → HTTP Request → Transform → Action → Error Handler
18 
193. **[Database Operations](database_operations.md)**
20   - Read/Write/Sync database data
21   - Pattern: Schedule → Query → Transform → Write → Verify
22 
234. **[AI Agent Workflow](ai_agent_workflow.md)**
24   - AI agents with tools and memory
25   - Pattern: Trigger → AI Agent (Model + Tools + Memory) → Output
26 
275. **[Scheduled Tasks](scheduled_tasks.md)**
28   - Recurring automation workflows
29   - Pattern: Schedule → Fetch → Process → Deliver → Log
30 
316. **Batch Processing** (below)
32   - Process large datasets in chunks with API rate limits
33   - Pattern: Prepare → SplitInBatches → Process per batch → Accumulate → Aggregate
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35---
36 
37## Pattern Selection Guide
38 
39### When to use each pattern:
40 
41**Webhook Processing** - Use when:
42- Receiving data from external systems
43- Building integrations (Slack commands, form submissions, GitHub webhooks)
44- Need instant response to events
45- Example: "Receive Stripe payment webhook → Update database → Send confirmation"
46 
47**HTTP API Integration** - Use when:
48…