Getting Started with AI Automation

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Welcome to AI automation! If you’re new to connecting AI with your workflows, start here. These guides will teach you the fundamentals using popular no-code platforms—no programming required.

What is No-Code AI Automation?

No-code automation platforms let you build powerful AI workflows by connecting apps visually, like building with LEGO blocks. You can:

• Connect AI models (like ChatGPT) to your favorite apps
• Automate repetitive tasks with intelligent decision-making
• Process data, send emails, update databases—all triggered by AI
• Build complex workflows without writing a single line of code

These platforms use visual interfaces with drag-and-drop nodes. If you can use a spreadsheet, you can build AI automations.

Popular Platforms

**Best for**: Complex workflows, self-hosting, developer-friendly

**Free tier**: Unlimited workflows (self-hosted)

Open-source and highly flexible. Great for connecting multiple apps with conditional logic.

**Best for**: Beginners, quick setup, huge app library

**Free tier**: 100 tasks/month

Easiest to learn. 5,000+ app integrations. Perfect for simple automations.

**Best for**: Visual workflows, data transformation

**Free tier**: 1,000 operations/month

Beautiful visual editor. Powerful data mapping. Great for complex scenarios.

Learning Path

Which Platform Should I Choose?

Choose n8n if you:

• Want full control and flexibility
• Plan to self-host
• Need complex conditional logic
• Have technical background (helpful but not required)

Choose Zapier if you:

• Are completely new to automation
• Want the fastest setup
• Need a specific app integration
• Prefer simplicity over complexity

Choose Make if you:

• Love visual interfaces
• Work with lots of data transformation
• Want a balance between power and usability
• Need advanced filtering and routing

You can use multiple platforms! Many professionals use Zapier for simple tasks and n8n for complex workflows.

What You’ll Learn

By completing these getting-started guides, you’ll be able to:

• ✅ Connect AI models to automation platforms
• ✅ Build multi-step workflows
• ✅ Handle errors and edge cases
• ✅ Test and debug automations
• ✅ Deploy workflows to production
• ✅ Monitor and maintain automations

Prerequisites

All you need is:

• A computer with internet access
• Email address (for platform signup)
• An OpenAI API key (Get one here)
• 30-60 minutes per tutorial

Next Steps

After mastering the basics, explore:

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Ready to start? Begin with Your First AI Workflow with n8n for a gentle introduction.

Need help? Join the community discussions or check the contribution guide.