Usage
n8n-as-code gives you several ways to work with your n8n workflows locally. Pick the one that fits your workflow best.
VS Code Extension
The most complete experience. Install the extension in VS Code or Cursor, connect to your n8n instance, and manage everything from the sidebar.
- Tree view with sync status for every workflow
- Right-click to pull, push, or resolve conflicts
- Split view: code editor + n8n canvas side by side
- JSON validation and code snippets
Claude Plugin
Let Claude create, edit, and fix workflows for you. Install the plugin in Claude Code or set up the MCP server for Claude Desktop — then just describe what you want.
- Natural language workflow creation and editing
- Automatic node lookup from 500+ schemas
- Handles init, pull, push behind the scenes
OpenClaw Plugin
Same AI-powered workflow experience inside OpenClaw. Install the plugin, run the setup wizard, and ask for workflow changes in plain language.
CLI
The command-line interface for terminal users, scripts, and CI/CD pipelines. All sync operations available as explicit commands.
- explicit Git-like sync between local files and n8n
- runtime provisioning for missing credentials
- workflow activation and HTTP test planning
- webhook, chat, and form execution from the CLI
- direct execution inspection for post-run debugging
- Workflow format conversion (JSON ↔ TypeScript)
- AI context generation for local agents
TypeScript Workflows
An optional decorator-based format that makes workflows more readable and AI-friendly. Works alongside the standard JSON format — convert back and forth at any time.
Typical Tasks
| Need | Best entry point |
|---|---|
| Browse, pull, push, and resolve workflow changes visually | VS Code Extension |
| Ask an agent to build or fix workflows in natural language | Claude Plugin or OpenClaw Plugin |
| Let an agent provision credentials, activate a workflow, run it, and inspect failures | OpenClaw Plugin, Claude Plugin, and the generated AGENTS.md |
| Script sync, testing, or CI/CD flows directly | CLI Guide |
| Work in a more AI-friendly source format | TypeScript Workflows |