In n8n, {{ }} is a 'magic window' into your data. Whatever you put inside, n8n evaluates it and gives you the answer.
Think of expressions like Excel formulas — not code. You type them inside {{ }}, n8n evaluates them, and gives you the result.
| Expression | Result | What it does |
|---|---|---|
{{ 1 + 1 }} |
2 | Simple math |
{{ "Hello" + " World" }} |
Hello World | Joins text together |
{{ 10 > 5 }} |
true | Checks if 10 is greater than 5 |
n8n users don't need to 'learn JavaScript' in the traditional sense. They only need a small, practical subset. Think of these as formulas, not code.
In the node parameter panel, look for fields with an '=' icon. Click it to switch from Fixed to Expression mode.
Email subject, Slack message, HTTP URL — any text can contain expressions.
Example: Hello {{ $json.name }}!
IF node conditions, Filter node conditions.
Example: {{ $json.score > 80 }}
Set node values, function parameters.
Example: {{ $json.price * 1.08 }}
Everything inside double curly braces gets evaluated by n8n and replaced with the result.
You don't need to learn JavaScript. Think of expressions as simple formulas that get you answers.
Text fields, condition fields, value fields — anywhere you see the = icon, you can use expressions.