n8n-expression-syntaxlisted
Install: claude install-skill waseemnasir2k26/skynetlabs-all-claude-code
# n8n Expression Syntax
Expert guide for writing correct n8n expressions in workflows.
---
## Expression Format
All dynamic content in n8n uses **double curly braces**:
```
{{expression}}
```
**Examples**:
```
✅ {{$json.email}}
✅ {{$json.body.name}}
✅ {{$node["HTTP Request"].json.data}}
❌ $json.email (no braces - treated as literal text)
❌ {$json.email} (single braces - invalid)
```
---
## Core Variables
### $json - Current Node Output
Access data from the current node:
```javascript
{{$json.fieldName}}
{{$json['field with spaces']}}
{{$json.nested.property}}
{{$json.items[0].name}}
```
### $node - Reference Other Nodes
Access data from any previous node:
```javascript
{{$node["Node Name"].json.fieldName}}
{{$node["HTTP Request"].json.data}}
{{$node["Webhook"].json.body.email}}
```
**Important**:
- Node names **must** be in quotes
- Node names are **case-sensitive**
- Must match exact node name from workflow
### $now - Current Timestamp
Access current date/time:
```javascript
{{$now}}
{{$now.toFormat('yyyy-MM-dd')}}
{{$now.toFormat('HH:mm:ss')}}
{{$now.plus({days: 7})}}
```
### $env - Environment Variables
Access environment variables:
```javascript
{{$env.API_KEY}}
{{$env.DATABASE_URL}}
```
---
## 🚨 CRITICAL: Webhook Data Structure
**Most Common Mistake**: Webhook data is **NOT** at the root!
### Webhook Node Output Structure
```javascript
{
"headers": {...},
"params": {...},
"query": {...},
"body": { // ⚠️ USER DATA IS HERE!