//n8n pitfalls · high
$env expressions blocked in Code nodes
$env is not available inside Code nodes for security reasons. Access environment variables through the n8n UI or pass them via workflow-level static data. Use $input or hardcode values if needed.
- Category
- n8n_general
Source: the n8n-mcp pitfall list, maintained by the tool's author
Mistakes AI agents make in n8n
- Execute Workflow + Wait nodes cause data loss
- SplitInBatches + Wait nodes cause state loss
- Never use append on sheets with formula columns
- saveExecutionProgress fills disk space
- IF node uses branch true/false not sourceIndex
- Code node $input.all() vs $input.first()
- Per-item execution on large datasets
- Webhook node response must be sent explicitly
- Error Trigger workflow must be separate
- $getWorkflowStaticData global loses data in loops