What is n8n?
n8n is an extendable workflow automation tool. With a fair-code distribution model, n8n will always have visible source code, be available to self-host, and allow you to add your own custom functions, logic and apps. n8n's node-based approach makes it highly versatile, enabling you to connect anything to everything. -https://github.com/n8n-io/n8n
Installing Homebrew Package Manager
- Start LaunchPad from the dock
- Search terminal > Click Terminal to launch it
- Run the following commands in the terminal window
# if prompted, click install and agree to install command line tools
# install homebrew
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
# enter your password
# press Enter to continue
Installing n8n
- Run the following commands in a terminal window
# install nodejs
brew install node@16
# correct brew link to nodejs v16
brew unlink node
brew link --overwrite node@16
# install mariadb
brew install mariadb
# start the mariadb service
mysql.server start
# set mariadb service to autostart
brew services start mariadb
# connect to the database
sudo mysql -uroot
- Run the following commands to create the n8n database and database user
CREATE DATABASE n8n;
GRANT ALL ON n8n.* to 'n8n_rw'@'localhost' IDENTIFIED BY 'n8n_N8N!';
FLUSH PRIVILEGES;
EXIT;
- Continue with the following commands:
# set environmental variables
export DB_TYPE="mysqldb"
export DB_MYSQLDB_DATABASE="n8n"
export DB_MYSQLDB_HOST="localhost"
export DB_MYSQLDB_USER="n8n_rw"
export DB_MYSQLDB_PASSWORD='n8n_N8N!'
export GENERIC_TIMEZONE="America/New_York"
# install n8n
sudo npm install n8n --location=global
# run n8n
sudo n8n start
- Open a web browser and navigate to http://DNSorIP:5678
- Complete the form with an email, first name, last name and password > Click next
- Complete the questionnaire > Click continue
- Click Get started
- Welcome to n8n
Source: https://docs.n8n.io/hosting/installation/npm/