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Subtitle:

A JavaScript-powered transformation component for custom data processing in automation workflows

Core Idea:

The Function Node in n8n allows users to write custom JavaScript code that manipulates, transforms, and processes data between workflow steps, enabling complex operations that aren't possible with standard nodes alone.

Key Principles:

1. Code-Based Transformation:
   • Uses JavaScript to manipulate data with the full power of a programming language.
2. Input/Output Standardization:
   • Receives data from previous nodes and returns transformed data in n8n's expected format.
3. Workflow Extensibility:
   • Bridges functional gaps by implementing custom logic beyond pre-built node capabilities.

Why It Matters:

• Unlimited Flexibility:
  • Overcomes limitations of standard nodes by allowing custom programming solutions.
• Data Normalization:
  • Enables transformation of inconsistently formatted data into standardized structures.
• Complex Logic Implementation:
  • Supports conditional branching, loops, and other programming constructs for advanced workflows.

How to Implement:

1. Add Function Node:
   • Insert a Function node between other nodes in your workflow where data transformation is needed.
2. Write JavaScript Code:
   • Add code that processes the incoming data (available in items variable).
3. Return Processed Data:
   • Ensure your code returns an array of items in the correct format for subsequent nodes.

Example:

• Scenario:
  • Extracting transaction amounts from unstructured email content.
• Application:

// Example code for the Function node
return items.map(item => {
  // Extract data with regular expressions
  const amountMatch = item.body.match(/\$\d+\.\d{2}/);
  const amount = amountMatch ? amountMatch[0] : null;
  
  // Add extracted data to the item
  return {
    ...item,
    json: {
      ...item.json,
      extractedAmount: amount,
      processingDate: new Date().toISOString()
    }
  };
});

• Result:
  • Transforms raw email data by adding extracted transaction amounts and processing metadata for downstream nodes.

Connections:

• Related Concepts:
  • JavaScript Basics: Foundation knowledge for writing Function node code
  • Regular Expressions in n8n: Pattern matching techniques often used in Function nodes
• Broader Concepts:
  • ETL Processes: Extract, Transform, Load methodology in data processing
  • Data Transformation Patterns: Conceptual approaches to changing data structures

References:

1. Primary Source:
   • n8n Documentation on Function Nodes
2. Additional Resources:
   • JavaScript for Automation Reference
   • n8n Community Examples of Function Node Usage

Tags:

#n8n #function #javascript #data-processing #transformation #code #automation

Connections:

Sources:

• From: Mikee AI - Stop Learning n8n The OLD Way (Use Google Gemini LIVE)