Automate NPM package installation and updates for self-hosted environments

Are you looking to install external libraries for your self-hosted N8N instance? This automated workflow makes adding npm packages to your N8N environment quick and effortless. Beware, this workflow only works on self-hosted instances. What This Workflow Does This solution automatically installs npm packages like axios, cheerio, or node-fetch in your self-hosted N8N Docker container, making them immediately available in Code nodes. Key features ✅ Automated Installation: No manual npm commands needed ✅ Daily Updates: Scheduled trigger keeps packages current ✅ Smart Installation: Only installs missing packages ✅ Multiple Triggers: Manual, scheduled, and on startup of the N8N instance so you can upgrade your N8N version without worrying about external libraries. How to install and update external libraries automatically Step 1: Setting Up Your Environment Variables Before using external libraries in N8N Code nodes, configure these environment variables in your Docker comppose file. Option A to allow specific external npm packages in N8N Code nodes Option B to allow all external npm packages in Code nodes Step 2: Import the external packages workflow Import the workflow into your N8N instance by copy pasting all nodes. Step 3: Input the list of external libraries you need Edit the librariesset node Change the comma-separated list (e.g., axios,cheerio,node-fetch). If you chose Option A above, update your NODEFUNCTIONALLOWEXTERNAL variable with the same packages Step 4: Start the workflow! Run the workflow manually or let it trigger automatically Why use this to install NPM packages in N8N? Managing external packages manually in N8N can be time-consuming. This workflow automates the entire process, making sure your libraries are always installed and up-to-date.