Course/Chapter 1/4. Your First Workflow
    beginner
    Chapter 1: Introduction to n8n

    4. Your First Workflow

    Build a simple workflow that fetches data from an API and sends a notification.

    12m Lesson 4 of 5

    Let's build your first workflow! We'll create a simple automation that fetches a random joke from an API and logs it.

    Step-by-Step

    1. Add a Manual Trigger: This lets you run the workflow by clicking "Execute"
    2. Add an HTTP Request node: Configure it to fetch data from a public API
    3. Add a Set node: Extract the fields you want from the API response
    4. Execute and inspect: Run the workflow and examine the output at each step

    What You'll Learn

    • - How to add and connect nodes
    • - How to configure node parameters
    • - How to execute a workflow and inspect results
    • - The basics of data flow between nodes

    Code Examples

    HTTP Request Node Configuration
    json
    {
  "method": "GET",
  "url": "https://official-joke-api.appspot.com/random_joke",
  "options": {}
}
    Set Node — Extract Fields
    json
    {
  "values": {
    "string": [
      {
        "name": "joke_setup",
        "value": "={{ $json.setup }}"
      },
      {
        "name": "joke_punchline",
        "value": "={{ $json.punchline }}"
      }
    ]
  }
}

    Pro Tips

    • 💡Always start with a trigger node — it determines how your workflow is activated
    • 💡Use the expression editor (click the "fx" icon) to reference data from previous nodes
    • 💡Check the "Output" tab of each node after execution to verify data flow

    Comprehension Quiz

    Answer 2 of 2 correctly to unlock lesson completion.

    1. What must every n8n workflow start with?

    2. What does the "fx" icon in a node field open?

    Pass the quiz above to unlock lesson completion
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    All lessons in this chapter

    1. What is n8n?8m2. n8n vs Other Automation Tools7m3. The n8n Editor Interface10m4. Your First Workflow12m5. Understanding n8n Data Structure8m