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Core Nodes

Core nodes provide fundamental workflow control functionality.

Start Node

The Start node is the entry point for workflows that don't use trigger nodes.

Type

n8n-nodes-base.start

Description

The Start node initiates workflow execution. It:

  • Passes through any input data provided
  • Creates an empty item if no input is given
  • Must be the first node in non-triggered workflows

Parameters

The Start node has no configurable parameters.

Example

{
  "id": "start-1",
  "name": "Start",
  "type": "n8n-nodes-base.start",
  "position": [250, 300],
  "parameters": {}
}

Input

  • None required - Creates empty item [{json: {}}]
  • Optional - Passes through provided input data

Output

[
  {
    "json": {}
  }
]

Or with input data:

[
  {
    "json": {
      "inputField": "inputValue"
    }
  }
]

Usage

Basic Workflow Entry

{
  "nodes": [
    {
      "id": "start",
      "name": "Start",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.start",
      "position": [250, 300],
      "parameters": {}
    },
    {
      "id": "next",
      "name": "Next Step",
      "type": "n8n-nodes-base.set",
      "position": [450, 300],
      "parameters": {
        "assignments": [
          {"name": "message", "value": "Workflow started!"}
        ]
      }
    }
  ],
  "connections": {
    "Start": {
      "main": [[{"node": "Next Step", "type": "main", "index": 0}]]
    }
  }
}

With Input Data (CLI)

m9m run workflow.json --input '{"name": "John"}'

The Start node passes through {"name": "John"} to connected nodes.

With Input Data (API)

curl -X POST http://localhost:8080/api/v1/workflows/{id}/execute \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"inputData": [{"json": {"name": "John"}}]}'

When to Use

Scenario Use Start Node?
Manual execution Yes
Webhook trigger No - use Webhook node
Scheduled execution No - use Cron node
Subworkflow Yes

Best Practices

  1. One Start node per workflow - Only one entry point needed
  2. Position first - Place at the left of your workflow
  3. Clear naming - Keep the default "Start" name for clarity