n8n JSON Masterclass: Basic to Advanced in One Video

Description

In this video, I'm breaking down JSON from the ground up — specifically for n8n builders who are tired of workflows breaking without knowing why. JSON is not a coding concept. It's the universal language apps use to talk to each other, and if you don't understand it, you can't think at the level of the top 1% of n8n workflow builders. I'll walk you through everything: what JSON is, fixed vs expression mode (the one toggle responsible for 80% of beginner workflow breaks), all 6 data types with live demos, core n8n variables like $json and $now, string and date methods, JSON.stringify, and how to build your own API endpoint — plus a final exam to test your understanding. This breakdown will shift your thinking from 'why is my workflow broken?' to 'I can manipulate any data that comes through n8n.' 🔗 Resources & Useful Links - n8n Crash Course (Start Here if You're New): https://youtu.be/1GH2GJBxia8?si=qasZUG4SyXR9awQo - n8n Series Playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLerrrMywIt-5Z4pkyvs5NgmB4CB4AH4Gw&si=Cvah2_Sk0YwScOD1 - Practice Workflow File: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GV4Jh1DiNRCGJHgrUKBH1UHyMI2hpMUN/view?usp=sharing - JSON Placeholder (Free Fake API for Testing): https://jsonplaceholder.typicode.com - Random User API (Used in Demo): https://randomuser.me 📘 Timestamps 00:00:00 – Introduction: JSON Is the Root of All n8n Problems 00:01:26 – About This Series + How to Use the Practice File 00:03:18 – What Is JSON? The Universal Language of Apps 00:06:04 – Fixed vs Expression Mode (The Toggle That Breaks 80% of Workflows) 00:11:50 – JSON Structure: Key-Value Pairs Explained 00:14:25 – Data Types Overview: The 6 Building Blocks of JSON 00:19:54 – String Data Type — Demo & Real-World Use Cases 00:23:43 – Number Data Type — Math vs String Difference 00:36:25 – Boolean Data Type — True / False in n8n 00:42:40 – Null Data Type — When Fields Have No Value 00:46:16 – Array Data Type — Ordered Lists in n8n 00:51:52 – Objects & Nested Objects — Drilling Into Data 01:01:59 – Core n8n Variables: $json, $now & Workflow Info 01:12:03 – Methods: String, Date & Number Transformations 01:26:32 – JSON.stringify & JSON.parse — API Payloads Explained 01:33:16 – Build Your Own API with Webhook + HTTP Request 01:42:34 – Array of Objects — n8n's Actual Data Structure 01:47:20 – Final Exam: Live Practice Exercises 01:52:33 – Recap: Everything We Covered Today 01:56:04 – Outro / Keep Learning 📌 What this video covers Here's what you'll learn in this video: - Why JSON is the foundation of every n8n workflow (and why ignoring it breaks things) - The difference between Fixed and Expression mode — and why most beginners never switch - All 6 JSON data types: String, Number, Boolean, Null, Array, Object — with live n8n demos - How to use core n8n variables: $json, $now, and Workflow metadata - String, date, and number methods to transform data in real time - JSON.stringify and JSON.parse for working with API payloads - How to build and call your own API endpoint using Webhook + HTTP Request - How n8n's array-of-objects data structure actually works under the hood 🚀 Tools & Stack Mentioned Build & Automation: n8n Data & Logic: JSON, JavaScript, HTTP Request node, Webhook node n8n Nodes Used: Edit Fields, Code node, If node, Google Sheets APIs Used in Demo: JSON Placeholder, Random User API 🎯 This is perfect for: - n8n users whose workflows keep breaking and they don't know why - Automation builders who've been dragging and dropping without understanding $json - Non-coders who want to understand data types so they can use expressions confidently - Freelancers or founders building client automations in n8n who want to go beyond basics - Anyone following Vivek's n8n series who wants to solidify their data fundamentals This is the video I wish existed when I was learning n8n. Once you understand JSON, you stop guessing — you start reasoning. Every workflow becomes readable, every error becomes fixable, and every automation you build becomes intentional. Don't skip this one. 👋 WHO AM I? I'm Vivek Mishra — a performance marketing expert and trainer. I work with service-based and e-commerce brands and teach practical skills around marketing, AI tools, and digital systems. Everything I teach comes from doing it myself. 📩 Questions? Drop them in the comments — I personally reply. 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vivekmishraishere/ #n8n #JSONTutorial #n8nAutomation #WorkflowAutomation #n8nSeries #datatypes