n8n: Docker vs. npm Install

Choosing the Right n8n Installation: Docker vs. npm

When self-hosting n8n, the two primary installation methods are Docker and npm (Node Package Manager). The right choice depends on your specific needs and technical environment.

Docker Installation

Docker offers a way to run applications in self-contained environments, simplifying updates. Using Docker Compose, you can define and manage multi-container Docker applications. A docker-compose.yml file specifies the necessary image, container name, port mappings, environment variables, and volumes for persistent data.

However, one may encounter challenges with Docker, like difficulty accessing local hardware resources. For example, Docker containers on Apple silicon Macs cannot directly access the GPU, which is a problem when you need to execute commands, such as using Whisper, that benefit from GPU acceleration.

npm Installation

Alternatively, n8n can be installed globally using npm:

npm install -g n8n

This method allows direct access to local system resources. However, this approach requires ensuring that n8n restarts automatically after system reboots. This can be achieved with a user agent, but user agents do not inherently have access to the local environment set in shell profiles, necessitating manual configuration.

Cloud Hosting

To access n8n workflows remotely, such as triggering workflows from a mobile phone, cloud hosting becomes necessary. Hosting on cloud platforms involves trade-offs:

• Security: Direct port forwarding poses security risks.
• Reliability: Services like Cloudflare tunnels can experience connection drops.
• Availability: Workflows cannot run when the host machine is offline.

To offset costs, one option is to split tasks between multiple instances of n8n. Host non-resource intensive tasks on a low-cost cloud instance from providers, like Digital Ocean, and resource-intensive tasks locally.

Automating Container Updates

For Docker-based installations, consider using Watchtower to automate container updates. Watchtower monitors running containers and automatically updates them when a new image is available. While not recommended for production environments in a company, it can be useful for home environments.

Webhooks

n8n can trigger workflows via webhooks. The n8n interface provides a URL for test events. This URL can then be used in other applications to trigger workflows.

Connecting Instances

When using multiple n8n instances, there needs to be a way for them to communicate and trigger workflows on other instances. Options include:

• Writing to a database.
• Using push cut services.
• Using Telegram to send messages between machines.