Even if You’re Just Starting!
When I started learning automation with N8n, I ran into a strange word: JSON (pronounced “Jason” like a person’s name!).
At first, I thought, “Oh no, another tech thing that looks like alien code!”
But guess what?
JSON is just a simple way computers share information kind of like passing notes in class, but much tidier and understandable.
So, What Exactly is this JSON?
JSON stands for JavaScript Object Notation fancy, right?
But think of it like this,If your favorite game needed to tell another game what level you’re on and what your character’s name is, it would use JSON to send that info.
For example:
{
"name": "Nancy",
"level": 5,
"isLearning": true
}
This just means:
- Your name is Nancy
- You’re on level 5
- You’re learning something new!
Why JSON is a Big Deal in N8n
When you connect apps inside N8n like sending data from Google Sheets to Gmail they all “talk” to each other using JSON.
Understanding JSON helps you:
✅ Pick out only the info you need (like someone’s name or due date)
✅ Change or “transform” that data to fit another app
✅ Fix issues when something doesn’t work
✅ Create cooler, more advanced automations
How JSON is Built: JSON data is like LEGO you build it piece by piece using:
- Objects (curly braces
{ }) — like labeled boxes - Arrays (square brackets
[ ]) — like lists - Strings,Boolean,data,numbers etc.
Example:
{
"students": ["Nancy", "John", "Aisha"],
"topic": "N8n Automation",
"progress": 80
}
That’s it! Just text that follows a pattern.Real Example Inside N8n
Let’s say you’re pulling info from Monday.com:
{
"id": "12345",
"name": "Project Alpha",
"status": "In Progress",
"assignees": ["Nancy", "John"],
"dueDate": "2025-10-20"
}
In N8n, you can grab bits of this using dot notation:
{{$json.name}}→ “Project Alpha”{{$json.assignees[0]}}→ “Nancy”
It’s like giving directions: “Hey N8n, go to JSON, then open the ‘name’ box.”
Tips for Understanding JSON in N8n
1️⃣ Use N8n’s JSON viewer — it shows your data neatly!
2️⃣ Start small — practice with short JSON before big ones.
3️⃣ Test your expressions — N8n lets you check before running.
4️⃣ Master dot notation — it’s the secret to navigating JSON easily.
At first, JSON looked like a secret code.
But now, I see it as a powerful friend that helps my automations run smoothly.Each time I connect a new app, I peek at the JSON, play around, and figure out what’s inside. It’s like solving a puzzle and it’s actually fun!
See you in my next post!
#Automation #N8n #WorkflowAutomation #JSON #LearningInPublic #TechSkills#Tech
Stop Doing the Same Thing Twice… Automate that task.
If you’re reading this, you’re probably tired of that one task the one you do every Monday, every deployment, or every time a new team member joins. It’s draining, boring, and frankly, a huge time sink.
Welcome to Day 1 of my Automation Series, where we learn the first golden rule of DevOps:
If a task is repetitive and predictable, it’s a candidate for automation.
Automation is not a luxury, it’s a foundation.
In the world of software and IT, we talk a lot about Continuous Integration/Continuous Delivery (CI/CD), but the true game-changer starts with a simple mindset shift.
Think of it this way: Every manual task you perform is a debt you pay with your time and energy. You also introduce risk—humans make typos, forget steps, and get tired.
Automation, especially on Day 1 of a project or process, is your investment in future speed and stability. The faster you automate the foundational stuff (like setting up environments or running basic tests), the faster you can focus on building cool features!
🤔 Interactive Question for You:
What is the single most boring, repetitive task you do every week? Seriously, tell me in the comments—we might just automate it by Day 5!
The 3 Core Pillars of Automation
You don’t need to automate the whole world right now. Start small with these three high-impact areas:
1. Infrastructure Automation (The ‘Digital Plumbing’)
Before you can run an application, you need a place for it to live (a server, a virtual machine, a container). Manual setup is slow and error-prone.
- The Tool of Choice: Terraform or Ansible.
- The Win: Create a cloud server (or an entire network!) with a single command. This is known as Infrastructure as Code (IaC).
- The Catchy Hook: “Clicking ‘Next, Next, Finish’ is so last decade. We’re building our cloud with code.”
2. Configuration Automation (The ‘App Setup’)
Once the server is up, you need to install software, configure settings, and open ports. This is another prime automation target.
- The Tool of Choice: Ansible or Puppet.
- The Win: Ensure every server is configured exactly the same way, every time. No “it worked on my machine” excuses!
- The Catchy Hook: “Stop SSH-ing into servers. We’re turning configuration into a consistent recipe.”
3. Testing and Quality Automation (The ‘Safety Net’)
The most critical Day 1 automation is running checks immediately after code is written.
- The Tool of Choice: Integrated tools like GitHub Actions or Jenkins.
- The Win: The moment you commit code, automated tests run to check for basic errors. If it fails, you know instantly.
- The Catchy Hook: “Fail Fast, Learn Faster. Let the bots find your bugs before the users do.”
Quick Automation Win: Your 5-Minute Script
Let’s get practical. You can start automating right now with a simple Bash or Python script.
Scenario: You constantly clean out old log files on your server.
Bash
#!/bin/bash
# A simple script to automatically delete files older than 30 days
# (This is your first "Day 1" Automation!)
LOG_DIR="/var/log/app_logs"
echo "Running log cleanup in $LOG_DIR..."
find $LOG_DIR -type f -mtime +30 -name "*.log" -delete
echo "Cleanup complete! Files older than 30 days have been removed."
Next Step: Set this script to run automatically every night using a tool like Cron (Linux/Mac) or Task Scheduler (Windows).
Congratulations! You’ve just automated your first IT operations task.
Your Homework (And a Teaser for Day 2)
Your biggest automation tool isn’t a script; it’s your mindset. For tomorrow, I want you to identify one common problem at your job and think about how you could solve it with code, not clicks.
Tomorrow on Day 2: We dive into the most powerful automation tools: CI/CD and why a pipeline is the heartbeat of modern software delivery. You won’t want to miss how we turn that boring, repetitive task from the comments into a fully automated pipeline!
Freelancing isn’t just about working independently; it’s about discovering your niche, solving real-world problems, and thriving on your own terms. It’s the freedom to craft a career where your skills make a tangible difference every day. While some niches are crowded, there are skill sets that remain in high demand yet delightfully unsaturated. These opportunities await those ready to stand out and provide immense value.
1. Data Analysis and Visualization
Businesses are drowning in data, but many lack the expertise to make sense of it. If you can analyze numbers and transform them into actionable insights, this niche is your goldmine.
- Why It’s Needed: Companies need to track performance, identify trends, and make informed decisions.
- Tools to Learn: Excel (Advanced), Tableau, Power BI, SQL.
2. Cybersecurity
With growing cyber threats, organizations of all sizes are desperate for professionals who can safeguard their systems and data.
- Why It’s Needed: Security breaches cost businesses millions; prevention is key.
- Tools to Learn: Kali Linux, Splunk, Wireshark, Python for Cybersecurity.
3. Supply Chain and Logistics Management
Efficient logistics keep businesses running. This niche blends organizational skills with tech-driven solutions.
- Why It’s Needed: Businesses rely on smooth supply chains to deliver goods on time.
- Tools to Learn: SAP, Microsoft Dynamics, Oracle SCM.
4. Renewable Energy Technology
The global shift towards sustainability has created a growing demand for renewable energy experts.
- Why It’s Needed: Governments and businesses are investing heavily in clean energy solutions.
- Tools to Learn: Homer Energy, AutoCAD, PV*SOL.
5. UI/UX Design
Every app and website needs a user-friendly interface. Businesses crave designers who can enhance user experiences.
- Why It’s Needed: Customer satisfaction often depends on seamless interactions with digital products.
- Tools to Learn: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch.
6. Blockchain Development
Beyond cryptocurrency, blockchain is revolutionizing sectors like supply chain, healthcare, and finance.
- Why It’s Needed: Blockchain ensures transparency, security, and efficiency in transactions.
- Tools to Learn: Solidity, Ethereum, Hyperledger.
7. Technical Writing
Companies need clear, concise documentation for everything from product manuals to business proposals.
- Why It’s Needed: Proper documentation simplifies complex systems and processes.
- Tools to Learn: MadCap Flare, Grammarly, Microsoft Word (Advanced).
8. Social Impact and Sustainability Consulting
As companies align with global sustainability goals, they need experts to help them navigate this terrain.
- Why It’s Needed: Environmental responsibility is now a business priority.
- Tools to Learn: ISO Standards, CSR Frameworks, Sustainability Assessment Tools.
9. Cloud Computing
Businesses are migrating to the cloud, creating a steady demand for professionals who can manage these systems.
- Why It’s Needed: The cloud offers scalability and cost efficiency, but requires expert management.
- Tools to Learn: AWS, Google Cloud, Microsoft Azure.
10. Healthcare Tech Support
Technology in healthcare is booming, and skilled professionals are needed to support this growth.
- Why It’s Needed: Telemedicine and health tech rely on seamless technical support.
- Tools to Learn: EPIC Systems, Cerner, Meditech.
How to Get Started in These Niches
- Identify Your Strengths: Reflect on your existing skills and interests to choose a niche that aligns with your capabilities.
- Invest in Learning: Leverage free and paid online courses to master the required tools and technologies.
- Build a Portfolio: Showcase your skills with projects, case studies, or testimonials to attract potential clients.
- Leverage Online Platforms: Join freelancing websites like Upwork, Fiverr, or Toptal to market your services.
- Network Strategically: Connect with industry professionals and participate in relevant communities to expand your opportunities.
Conclusion:
Freelancing is more than a career; it’s a journey into discovering your unique strengths in a world of opportunities. By focusing on unsaturated niches, you position yourself where demand exceeds supply. These skills not only provide daily value but also promise long-term growth and relevance. Ready to carve your own path?
