The workflow JSON
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{
"nodes": [
{
"name": "On clicking 'execute'",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.manualTrigger",
"position": [
60,
300
],
"parameters": {},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"name": "Write Binary File",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.writeBinaryFile",
"position": [
420,
740
],
"parameters": {
"fileName": "={{$node[\"Config\"].json[\"file\"]}}",
"dataPropertyName": "=data"
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"name": "Config",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.functionItem",
"position": [
600,
300
],
"parameters": {
"functionCode": "return {\n file: '/home/node/.n8n/local-files' + item.file,\n key: item.key,\n value: item.value\n}"
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"name": "Read Binary Files",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.readBinaryFiles",
"position": [
240,
520
],
"parameters": {
"fileSelector": "={{$json[\"file\"]}}"
},
"typeVersion": 1,
"continueOnFail": true,
"alwaysOutputData": true
},
{
"name": "SetKeyValue",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.functionItem",
"position": [
600,
520
],
"parameters": {
"functionCode": "const key = $node[\"Config\"].json[\"key\"]\nconst value = $node[\"Config\"].json[\"value\"]\nitem[key] = value\n\nreturn item;"
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"name": "BinaryToJSON",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.moveBinaryData",
"position": [
420,
520
],
"parameters": {
"options": {}
},
"typeVersion": 1,
"alwaysOutputData": true
},
{
"name": "JSONToBinary",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.moveBinaryData",
"position": [
240,
740
],
"parameters": {
"mode": "jsonToBinary",
"options": {}
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"name": "SplitInBatches",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.splitInBatches",
"position": [
420,
300
],
"parameters": {
"options": {},
"batchSize": 1
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"name": "Repeat",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.if",
"position": [
600,
740
],
"parameters": {
"conditions": {
"boolean": [
{
"value1": "={{$node[\"SplitInBatches\"].context[\"noItemsLeft\"]}}",
"value2": true
}
]
}
},
"typeVersion": 1
},
{
"name": "Done",
"type": "n8n-nodes-base.functionItem",
"position": [
800,
740
],
"parameters": {
"functionCode": "console.log('Done!');\n\nreturn item;"
},
"typeVersion": 1
}
],
"connections": {
"Config": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Read Binary Files",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Repeat": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Done",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
],
[
{
"node": "SplitInBatches",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"SetKeyValue": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "JSONToBinary",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"BinaryToJSON": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "SetKeyValue",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"JSONToBinary": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Write Binary File",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"SplitInBatches": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Config",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Read Binary Files": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "BinaryToJSON",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"Write Binary File": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "Repeat",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
},
"On clicking 'execute'": {
"main": [
[
{
"node": "SplitInBatches",
"type": "main",
"index": 0
}
]
]
}
}
}
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How this works
This workflow provides a straightforward way to store and update key-value pairs in a simple file-based database, enabling quick persistence of data without relying on complex external services. It's ideal for developers or automation enthusiasts building lightweight applications that need to retain settings, user preferences, or session data across runs. The key step involves using the writeBinaryFile node to save JSON-formatted key-value data to a file, with functionItem nodes handling the formatting and readBinaryFiles ensuring seamless retrieval for updates.
Use this workflow when you require an event-driven, on-demand key-value store for small-scale automations, such as logging simple metrics or caching API responses in a self-hosted environment. Avoid it for high-volume or concurrent access scenarios, where a proper database like PostgreSQL would be more reliable. Common variations include adding encryption via function nodes for sensitive data or integrating with email triggers to notify on updates.
About this workflow
Simple File Based Key Value Store Writekey. Uses manualTrigger, writeBinaryFile, functionItem, readBinaryFiles. Event-driven trigger; 10 nodes.
Source: https://github.com/Zie619/n8n-workflows — original creator credit. Request a take-down →
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