Batch Read Filenames and Execute Commands Sequentially Workflow

Workflow Name

Batch Read Filenames and Execute Commands Sequentially Workflow

Key Features and Highlights

This workflow is manually triggered to automatically read the contents of a text file from a specified path. It splits each line (typically filenames) into an array and sequentially executes custom commands for each entry, outputting the results to a designated file. The process automates batch processing of filenames, eliminating manual step-by-step operations and significantly improving efficiency.

Core Problem Addressed

It addresses the need for automating the batch reading of text file lists and sequential command execution, avoiding the tedious manual copying and pasting of filenames and command execution. This effectively enhances the accuracy and efficiency of batch file processing.

Use Cases

• File processing scenarios requiring batch command execution, such as bulk renaming, batch transcoding, and batch log recording.
• Automated file list management for server operations personnel.
• Developers needing automated workflows to execute scripts or commands based on file lists.

Main Workflow Steps

1. Manual Trigger Execution: The workflow starts via the “On clicking 'execute'” node.
2. Read Text File: The “Read Binary File” node reads the file content (e.g., filename list) from the specified path.
3. Process Binary Data: The “Move Binary Data” node adjusts the data format accordingly.
4. Split File Data: Using the “Function” node, the text content is split into an array by line breaks, and the total line count is calculated.
5. Loop Command Execution: The “IF” node determines whether to continue, invoking the “Execute Command” node to sequentially run custom commands on each filename (e.g., writing to a log).
6. End Operation: After processing all filenames, the workflow terminates at the “NoOp” node.

Involved Systems or Services

• Local file system (for file read/write operations)
• Built-in n8n nodes (Manual Trigger, Read Binary File, Move Binary Data, Function, Execute Command, IF, NoOp)

Target Users and Value Proposition

This workflow is ideal for IT operations staff, developers, and automation script writers, enabling them to quickly build batch processing automation workflows for file lists. It saves time on repetitive tasks while improving the accuracy and efficiency of batch data processing. It offers a simple and effective solution for scenarios requiring processing of large numbers of filenames with corresponding command executions.