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Data Transformation and JSON in N8N

Mar 23, 2025

Lecture Notes: Data Transformation and JSON in N8N

Overview

This lecture discusses data transformation and JSON data within the N8N automation platform. Key concepts include understanding JSON key-value pairs, how to manipulate JSON data, and important JSON data types.

Key Concepts

JSON Data and Key-Value Pairs

  • JSON: A human and machine-readable format for data interchange.
  • Key-Value Pairs: Fundamental to JSON structure.
    • Keys: Used as references (e.g., name, email).
    • Values: Data associated with keys (e.g., John Doe, [email protected]).
  • Consistency in keys is crucial for data retrieval (e.g., email vs email_address).

Manipulating JSON Data

  • Adding and referencing JSON data involves editing key-value pairs.
  • Importance of consistent key naming to ensure data is correctly referenced.
  • JSON data can be created manually or imported, with tools like ChatGPT assisting in structuring data.

Data Types in JSON

  • Text: Represents strings (e.g., Jane Doe).
  • Numbers: Numerical values (e.g., 5000).
  • Boolean: True/false values.
  • Dates: Date values (e.g., form submission date).
  • Binary Data: Files/images (e.g., PDFs, PNGs).
  • Collections: Similar to folders, containing assorted items.
  • Arrays: Lists of similar data types (e.g., apples, oranges).

JSON Data Types Interaction

  • Data types do not always interact seamlessly and may require conversion.
  • Example: 2 + 2 as text ("22") vs. number (4).
  • Indexes: Used to reference positions in arrays or strings.

Functions and JavaScript in N8N

  • Functions enable data type conversion and manipulation.
  • Join Function: Converts arrays to text.
  • Split Function: Converts text to arrays.
  • JavaScript functions can be executed within N8N using curly braces.

Lists and Iterators

Iterators and Aggregators

  • Iterator: Processes array elements one-by-one.
  • Aggregator: Combines processed elements back into a single array.

Application

  • Filtering data (e.g., removing duplicates or false statuses).
  • Using split-out and aggregator functions for list manipulation.
  • Importance of handling arrays correctly to avoid errors.

Conclusion

  • Understanding JSON data and its manipulation is crucial in N8N.
  • Consistent key usage and correct data type handling are essential.
  • Functions and iterators/aggregators provide powerful tools for data management.
  • Participation in a learning community can enhance understanding and application skills.

Full transcript