Light vs. Heavy Workers in n8n: How They Work and Why They're Needed

2025-10-31

n8n is a powerful open-source workflow automation tool that allows building complex workflows without deep programming. One of the key scaling mechanisms in n8n is queue mode, where the main instance delegates task execution to separate processes called workers. Workers allow distributing load, enabling parallel workflow execution and improving system performance.

In the n8n community and practical guides, two types of workers are often distinguished: light workers and heavy workers. Although the official documentation doesn’t use these terms directly, they reflect differences in task types and configuration. Light workers are aimed at fast, frequent operations, while heavy workers handle resource-intensive tasks. In this article we’ll examine their differences, how they work, and why they are necessary for effective scaling.

037 | Databases in Detail: Redis — A High-Speed Key-Value Store and Cache

2025-06-29

We’ve already explored relational databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite), which are great for structured data and complex queries. Now we move into the world of NoSQL, starting with one of its brightest stars — Redis (Remote Dictionary Server). Redis is an incredibly fast and versatile server often described as a “data structure server on steroids.”

What is Redis?

Redis is a free and open-source (BSD licensed) NoSQL key-value database that stores data in memory (in-memory). Unlike traditional disk-based databases, Redis is designed to deliver maximum data access speed. While it’s a key-value store, Redis stands out because the values can be not only strings but also rich data structures like strings, lists, sets, hashes, sorted sets with scores, bitmaps, and hyperloglogs.

033 | Database Servers: Your Digital Archive and Application Brain — Overview of Types and Use Cases

2025-06-25

In today’s digital world, where every click, purchase, or message generates data, there’s a pressing need for efficient storage, management, and fast access. That’s exactly what database servers are for. They are the invisible but essential foundation of any dynamic application — from simple blogs and e-commerce platforms to complex enterprise systems, financial tools, and AI solutions.

What is a Database (DB) and Why Do You Need One?

A database (DB) is an organized collection of information, structured in a way that makes it easy to access, manage, and update. A database server is a software system that provides access and management services for one or more databases.