Module 2 Lesson 1: Running n8n with Docker

Docker is the industry standard for self-hosting. It ensures that n8n runs in a clean environment and makes updating to the latest version as simple as a single command.

1. Why Docker?

• Isolation: n8n needs Node.js. If you install it directly on your server, it might conflict with other apps. Docker keeps it in its own "Box."
• Persistence: Using "Volumes," your workflows and credentials stay safe even if you delete the container.

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2. The docker-compose.yml

Create a folder named n8n and save this as docker-compose.yml:

version: '3.8'
services:
  n8n:
    image: n8nio/n8n:latest
    restart: always
    ports:
      - "5678:5678"
    environment:
      - N8N_HOST=localhost
      - N8N_PORT=5678
      - N8N_PROTOCOL=http
      - NODE_ENV=production
      - WEBHOOK_URL=http://localhost:5678/
    volumes:
      - ./n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n

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3. Starting the Engine

Run this command in the same folder:

docker-compose up -d

You can now visit http://localhost:5678 in your browser.

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4. Updates

Updating n8n is easy:

1. docker-compose pull (Downloads the new version).
2. docker-compose up -d (Restarts with the new version). Your data in n8n_data is preserved!

Visualizing the Docker Setup

graph LR
    Browser[Web Browser] -->|Port 5678| Docker[Docker Container]
    Docker --> N8N[n8n Application]
    Docker --> Vol[Volume Mount]
    Vol -->|Persists| Data[./n8n_data<br/>Workflows & Credentials]
    
    subgraph "Host Machine"
        Data
    end
    
    subgraph "Container"
        N8N
    end

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Exercise: The Container Launch

1. Install Docker and Docker Compose on your machine (if not already there).
2. Create the docker-compose.yml from Section 2.
3. Start n8n and login to the setup screen.
4. Why did we use ./n8n_data:/home/node/.n8n in the volumes section? (Review Docker Module 3).
5. Research: What is the N8N_ENCRYPTION_KEY and why should you back it up immediately?

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Summary

You now have a private "Automation Factory" running on your machine. Docker makes the management of n8n predictable and scalable.

Next Lesson: Opening the doors: Setting up a Reverse Proxy (Nginx/Traefik).