Backup to GitHub

Workflow Name

Backup to GitHub

Key Features and Highlights

This workflow automates the backup of all workflow configurations from n8n instances to a specified GitHub repository. Backup files are named using the workflow ID and stored in JSON format. Triggered either on a schedule or manually, the workflow processes each workflow configuration sequentially, comparing local workflows with existing files on GitHub. It automatically determines the file status—whether identical, modified, or new—and performs the corresponding create or update operations. Utilizing a sub-workflow call structure, it effectively reduces memory usage and enhances execution stability.

Core Problems Addressed

• Automates the management and backup of n8n workflows to prevent loss due to accidental deletion or misoperation.
• Employs a version comparison mechanism to avoid redundant backups of identical content, saving storage and operational resources.
• Supports categorized storage, allowing workflows to be backed up to designated repository paths based on tags.

Use Cases

• n8n automation platform users who need to regularly back up all workflow configuration files to ensure secure version storage.
• Teams requiring unified management and version control of workflow configurations to facilitate tracking and rollback.
• DevOps or automation operations scenarios that demand continuous backup and management of workflow configurations.

Main Process Steps

1. Trigger the workflow either on a schedule or manually.
2. Retrieve the list of all workflows from the n8n instance and process them one by one.
3. Generate the corresponding GitHub repository path based on the workflow’s tags.
4. Fetch the corresponding backup file from the GitHub repository, if it exists.
5. Compare the content of the GitHub file with the current workflow configuration:
   • If identical, skip further action.
   • If different, update the file on GitHub.
   • If the file does not exist, create a new file.
6. Apply additional handling for large files to ensure data integrity.
7. Return the execution status upon completion.

Involved Systems and Services

• n8n: Automation workflow platform serving as the data source and execution environment.
• GitHub API: Used to retrieve, create, and edit workflow backup files, enabling version control.
• HTTP Request Node: Assists in handling large file downloads.
• Code Node: Sorts and compares JSON workflow data to detect differences.
• Schedule Trigger Node: Enables scheduled automatic execution of backup tasks.
• Manual Trigger Node: Supports manual initiation of the backup process.
• Execute Workflow Node: Processes workflow data in batches to improve efficiency.

Target Users and Value

• n8n users and administrators, especially teams managing multiple workflows or instances.
• Automation developers and DevOps engineers who require version control and backup for workflow configurations.
• Enterprises and individuals seeking to secure workflows via cloud-based version repositories, reducing risks from human error.
• Users aiming to automate workflow configuration management, archiving, and auditing.

---

By automatically backing up n8n workflow configurations to GitHub, this workflow helps users effortlessly manage workflow versions and ensure data security, thereby enhancing operational and development efficiency and safeguarding automation assets.