using-n8n-skills

What problem does it solve?

It prevents coding agents from making “looks-right” n8n mistakes by ensuring they invoke the correct routing and guardrail knowledge before performing any workflow actions or high-impact MCP calls.

Core Features & Use Cases

• Non-negotiable skill routing: requires invoking the relevant n8n skill before node configuration, workflow design, SDK code writing, wiring connections, building agents, or error handling.
• Validation plus verification discipline: mandates validating workflows before publishing and verifying connections after creates/updates via workflow detail retrieval.
• Security-first credential handling: prohibits placing tokens/secrets into text fields and directs usage of n8n credential systems.
• Cross-cutting defaults and red-flag triggers: guides best practices like preferring expressions over Code, using stateless sub-workflows for reuse, and routing loops, connections, agents, and debugging to the right capability skills.
• Compact MCP tool reference: provides a short-form list of MCP tool purposes and when to consult related guidance.

Quick Start

Use this skill as the starting point for any agent conversation involving n8n workflows so it routes you to the correct capability skill before you design, configure, or publish anything.