Quick Guide: Connecting n8n to Any REST API in 10 Minutes

Connecting n8n to a REST API in under 10 minutes might sound ambitious, but it's quite achievable, even for beginners. I stumbled across n8n a few months ago when I was dealing with automating my IoT data reporting. The need for a flexible automation tool was pressing, given the constraints I face working in Kenya: unreliable internet, budget limits, and a need for simplicity. My goal was to automate data fetching from a weather API, and n8n seemed like the perfect tool because of its visual workflow builder. Why use n8n? Before getting started, let me explain why n8n caught my attention. It's open-source, meaning no monthly fees, which is a big win when you're watching your budget. Plus, its visual interface means I don't have to hard-code API calls like I used to, saving heaps of time. For someone juggling over 2,500 IoT devices across regions with sporadic connectivity, automating workflows with minimal overhead is incredibly helpful. Getting started with n8n First, you need to have