Debugging workflow errors
1. Debugging workflow errors
Welcome back! Let's talk about something that happens to every workflow eventually: errors.2. When workflows fail
Even if we test carefully, workflows in production can fail, an API is down, a field is missing, or the data isn't in the format we expect. The good news is that n8n gives us several ways to handle those errors so that our automation stays reliable.3. Why error handling matters
When a workflow fails, we need to know immediately. By default, n8n stops execution on errors, which can block automations and hide problems. That's why error handling matters.4. Why error handling matters
It ensures issues don't go unnoticed and gives us the context to debug quickly, instead of wondering why something silently broke.5. Creating a global error workflow
To avoid blind spots, n8n lets us configure an Error Workflow as a global safety net. Whenever a workflow fails, this error workflow is triggered automatically. Inside it, we can log details, notify our team, or route errors into a dashboard. From the settings tab, each workflow can be linked to a single error workflow, so failures across our automations are handled in one place.6. Understanding the error trigger
We'll start with an Error Trigger node to make that global workflow work. This trigger activates whenever a connected workflow fails and passes useful details, like the workflow name, execution ID, failing node, and a direct link to its history. From there, we can decide what happens next, send a Slack alert, email our team, or log the details in a sheet. Think of it as our automation control center for errors.7. Raising errors intentionally
However, not all errors should happen by accident; sometimes, we want to raise them on purpose. The Stop and Error Node allows us to do that and enforce rules. For example, we might check if an order quantity is valid. If the number is less than 1 or greater than 1,000, we can stop the workflow and trigger an error instead of continuing. This way, we catch invalid data early, rather than letting it flow downstream and cause bigger problems. Together, these tools give us complete coverage.8. Local checks vs. global monitoring
Use Stop and Error nodes for local, rule-based checks to ensure that our data meets the expected conditions.9. Local checks vs. global monitoring
Use Error Workflows with Error Triggers for global monitoring, to capture unexpected failures across our entire system.10. Local checks vs. global monitoring
We always log or notify errors so our team can act quickly and prevent small problems from turning into large ones.11. Let's practice!
Now let's practice debugging our own workflows using both Stop and Error nodes for local rules, and global Error Workflows for full visibility.Create Your Free Account
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