From AI draft to tested automation: a complete pass
One worked example end to end — prompt, plan, nodes, credentials, inactive deploy, activation, and first real test.
The goal
A webhook receives user signups; valid emails are stored in Postgres; the workflow runs unattended. Total AI cost for the initial build: 1 credit, plus small follow-up generations for fixes.
Prompt, plan, generate
Configure, validate, deploy inactive
Set the webhook path to register-user and write the insert query; save each node and confirm “Changes saved”. Create the Postgres credential inside n8n, run preflight, and deploy the inactive draft. Confirm the shown n8n ID with the read-back line.
Activate and test for real
Attach the Postgres credential to the deployed node in n8n, flip the workflow Active, and send a real test request. Watch the execution, fix anything red back in the chat, and redeploy. The automation is done when a real signup flows through an active workflow — not when the draft looks complete.
Next guide
How to plan an n8n workflow before you build it
Questions? Contact Support.