Run Your Node Locally

Test Your Node Locally with n8n: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hey there, workflow warriors! Ever wondered how to ensure your custom nodes are working perfectly before you unleash them on the world? Well, you’re in luck because today, we’re diving into the nitty-gritty of running your node locally with n8n. Trust me, testing your node as you build it is not just a good idea; it’s a game-changer for your development process. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get started!

Why Test Your Node Locally?

Before we jump into the how-to, let’s talk about the why. Testing your node locally in an n8n instance is crucial. Why? Because it allows you to see how your node behaves in real-time, catch bugs early, and iterate quickly. It’s like having a personal playground where you can tweak and refine your node until it’s just right. Plus, it’s super straightforward to set up. So, are you ready to take control of your node development?

Step 1: Install n8n

First things first, you need to install n8n. It’s as easy as running a single command in your terminal. Here’s how you do it:

• Open your terminal.
• Run npm install n8n -g to install n8n globally.

Boom! You’ve got n8n up and running. Now, let’s move on to the next step.

Step 2: Publish Your Node Locally

Once n8n is installed, it’s time to publish your node locally. This is where the magic happens. Follow these steps:

1. Navigate to your node’s directory in the terminal.
2. Run npm run build to build your node.
3. Then, run npm link to make your node available locally.

See? It’s not rocket science. Now, your node is ready to be linked to your local n8n instance.

Step 3: Install the Node in Your Local n8n Instance

Next up, you need to install your node into your local n8n instance. Here’s how:

1. Find the nodes directory in your n8n installation. It’s usually at ~/.n8n/custom/, but if you’ve set it differently, it might be at ~/.n8n/.
2. Run npm link in the nodes directory to link your node.

Easy, right? Now, your node is ready to be used within n8n.

Step 4: Start n8n and Test Your Node

Alright, it’s time to fire up n8n and see your node in action. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Run n8n start in your terminal to start n8n.
2. Open n8n in your browser and search for your node using its node name, not the package name.

Wow! You should now see your node in the list. Click on it, drag it into your workflow, and start testing. It’s that simple.

Troubleshooting: Creating a Custom Directory

What if you don’t see a custom directory in your n8n installation? No worries, we’ve got you covered. Just follow these steps:

1. Create the custom directory manually at ~/.n8n/custom/.
2. Run npm init in the new directory to initialize it.

Now, you’re all set to link your node and continue testing. Problem solved!

Wrapping Up

There you have it, folks! Testing your node locally with n8n is not just a smart move; it’s essential for any serious workflow automation developer. By following these steps, you can ensure your nodes are functioning flawlessly before you deploy them. And hey, if you’re looking to dive deeper into n8n and workflow automation, be sure to check out our other resources. Happy testing, and remember, the key to success is in the details!