n8n Expression Syntax

Expert guide for writing correct n8n expressions in workflows.

Detailed Guide

Read [the detailed guide](references/detailed-guide.md) before executing this skill. It retains the complete procedure and reference material. Treat its safety, prerequisites, and validation requirements as mandatory. For focused work, load the relevant sections; for end-to-end work, read the guide completely.

When to Use

• You need to write or debug n8n expressions using {{ ... }} syntax.
• The task involves $json, $node, webhook payloads, or expression-related workflow errors.
• You want syntax-correct dynamic values inside n8n nodes and parameters.

When NOT to Use Expressions

❌ Code Nodes

Code nodes use direct JavaScript access, NOT expressions!

// ❌ WRONG in Code node
const email = '={{$json.email}}';
const name = '{{$json.body.name}}';

// ✅ CORRECT in Code node
const email = $json.email;
const name = $json.body.name;

// Or using Code node API
const email = $input.item.json.email;
const allItems = $input.all();

❌ Webhook Paths

// ❌ WRONG
path: "{{$json.user_id}}/webhook"

// ✅ CORRECT
path: "user-webhook"  // Static paths only

❌ Credential Fields

// ❌ WRONG
apiKey: "={{$env.API_KEY}}"

// ✅ CORRECT
Use n8n credential system, not expressions

Working Examples

For real workflow examples, see EXAMPLES.md

Example 1: Webhook to Slack

Webhook receives:

{
  "body": {
    "name": "John Doe",
    "email": "[email protected]",
    "message": "Hello!"
  }
}

In Slack node text field:

New form submission!

Name: {{$json.body.name}}
Email: {{$json.body.email}}
Message: {{$json.body.message}}

Example 2: HTTP Request to Email

HTTP Request returns:

{
  "data": {
    "items": [
      {"name": "Product 1", "price": 29.99}
    ]
  }
}

In Email node (reference HTTP Request):

Product: {{$node["HTTP Request"].json.data.items[0].name}}
Price: ${{$node["HTTP Request"].json.data.items[0].price}}

Example 3: Format Timestamp

// Current date
{{$now.toFormat('yyyy-MM-dd')}}
// Result: 2025-10-20

// Time
{{$now.toFormat('HH:mm:ss')}}
// Result: 14:30:45

// Full datetime
{{$now.toFormat('yyyy-MM-dd HH:mm')}}
// Result: 2025-10-20 14:30

Limitations

• Use this skill only when the task clearly matches the scope described above.
• Do not treat the output as a substitute for environment-specific validation, testing, or expert review.
• Stop and ask for clarification if required inputs, permissions, safety boundaries, or success criteria are missing.