| --- |
| |
| title: Code in n8n Documentation and Guides |
| description: Access documentation and guides on using code and expressions in n8n and other developer resources. |
| contentType: overview |
| --- |
| |
| # Code in n8n |
|
|
| n8n is a low-code tool. This means you can do a lot without code, then add code when needed. |
|
|
| ## Code in your workflows |
|
|
| There are two places in your workflows where you can use code: |
|
|
| <div class="grid-cards-vertical cards" markdown> |
|
|
| - __Expressions__ |
|
|
| Use [expressions](/glossary.md#expression-n8n) to transform [data](/data/index.md) in your nodes. You can use JavaScript in expressions, as well as n8n's [Built-in methods and variables](/code/builtin/overview.md) and [Data transformation functions](/code/builtin/data-transformation-functions/index.md). |
| |
| [:octicons-arrow-right-24: Expressions](/code/expressions.md) |
| |
| - __Code node__ |
|
|
| Use the Code node to add JavaScript or Python to your workflow. |
| |
| [:octicons-arrow-right-24: Code node](/code/code-node.md) |
| |
| </div> |
|
|
|
|
| ## Other technical resources |
|
|
| These are features that are relevant to technical users. |
|
|
| ### Technical nodes |
|
|
| n8n provides core nodes, which simplify adding key functionality such as API requests, webhooks, scheduling, and file handling. |
|
|
| <div class="grid-cards-vertical cards" markdown> |
|
|
| - __Write a backend__ |
|
|
| The [HTTP Request](/integrations/builtin/core-nodes/n8n-nodes-base.httprequest/index.md), [Webhook](/integrations/builtin/core-nodes/n8n-nodes-base.webhook/index.md), and [Code](/code/code-node.md) nodes help you make API calls, respond to webhooks, and write any JavaScript in your workflow. |
| |
| Use this do things like [Create an API endpoint](https://n8n.io/workflows/1750-creating-an-api-endpoint/){:target=_blank .external-link}. |
| |
| [:octicons-arrow-right-24: Core nodes](/integrations/builtin/core-nodes/index.md) |
| |
| - __Represent complex logic__ |
|
|
| You can build complex flows, using nodes like [If](/integrations/builtin/core-nodes/n8n-nodes-base.if.md), [Switch](/integrations/builtin/core-nodes/n8n-nodes-base.switch.md), and [Merge](/integrations/builtin/core-nodes/n8n-nodes-base.merge.md) nodes. |
| |
| [:octicons-arrow-right-24: Flow logic](/flow-logic/index.md) |
| |
| </div> |
|
|
| ### Other developer resources |
|
|
| <div class="grid-cards-vertical cards" markdown> |
|
|
| - __The n8n API__ |
|
|
| n8n provides an API, where you can programmatically perform many of the same tasks as you can in the GUI. There's an [n8n API node](/integrations/builtin/core-nodes/n8n-nodes-base.n8n.md) to access the API in your workflows. |
| |
| [:octicons-arrow-right-24: API](/api/index.md) |
| |
| - __Self-host__ |
|
|
| You can self-host n8n. This keeps your data on your own infrastructure. |
| |
| [:octicons-arrow-right-24: Hosting](/hosting/index.md) |
| |
| - __Build your own nodes__ |
|
|
| You can build custom nodes, install them on your n8n instance, and publish them to [npm](https://www.npmjs.com/){:target=_blank .external-link}. |
| |
| [:octicons-arrow-right-24: Creating nodes](/integrations/creating-nodes/overview.md) |
| |
| </div> |
|
|
