Testing and validating workflows

Introduction to Workflow Automation with n8n

Frank Nillard

Founder, Tellyt.ai

Why testing matters

• Testing ensures steps work as expected.
• Catch and fix issues early to save time.
• One failed step can break the workflow.
• Use Execute Node to test individual steps in isolation.

Test a node

 

Test a node

 

By testing each step, we can spot and fix errors early.

Test a node

• It might seem manual, but this approach saves time.
• Know exactly where things break and why.

Validating your data

Validating your data

• Do the fields contain what we expect?
• Is the format correct?
• Does the data follow the right rules or patterns?

 

• Ensure the result makes sense!

Validation in e-commerce

 

Validation in e-commerce

Validation in e-commerce

When testing succeeds, but validation fails

 

 

When testing succeeds, but validation fails

• Discount generation worked - test passed

When testing succeeds, but validation fails

• Discount generation worked - test passed
• Data broke a business rule - validation failed
• Add simple checks before proceeding
• If a rule fails - stop process or trigger a correction path
• Prevent errors and data quality issues

Why both matter

• Testing helps catch issues early and verify logic.

Why both matter

• Testing helps catch issues early and verify logic.
• Validation keeps data clean and trustworthy.

Why both matter

• Testing helps catch issues early and verify logic.
• Validation keeps data clean and trustworthy.
• Combining both make systems reliable, predictable, and scalable.

Let's practice!

Introduction to Workflow Automation with n8n