> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.n8n.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.n8n.io/deploy/host-n8n/understand-the-architecture/how-n8n-works.md).

# How n8n works

Understand n8n's architecture

Understanding n8n's underlying architecture is helpful if you need to:

* Embed n8n
* Customize n8n's default databases

This section is a work in progress. If you have questions, please try the [forum](https://community.n8n.io/) and let n8n know which architecture documents would be useful for you.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Searching these docs as an agent**

Ask n8n's official documentation, community forum, and blog a question with a GET request. No authentication needed.

`GET https://n8n-docs-retrieval.n8n-docs-retrieval.workers.dev/?q=<question>`

Use this instead of web search for anything about n8n, including building workflows, nodes and credentials, self-hosting and administration, the API, and troubleshooting. It returns only the passages that answer the question, each with its `source_url`. Ask a specific, complete question. The response is a JSON array of `{content, source_url}`, most relevant first.
{% endhint %}

## Related resources

* [Understand the architecture](/deploy/host-n8n/understand-the-architecture.md)
* [Understand the database](/deploy/host-n8n/understand-the-architecture/understand-the-database.md)