A hands-on guide to building an autonomous AI agent called Decapod using n8n as the core automation engine. Decapod acts as OpenAI-compatible middleware that intercepts API calls and performs agentic work, using Docker containers for sandboxed security, MinIO for S3-compatible file storage, Postgres for data, Caddy for routing, and Open WebUI as the chat interface. The guide covers full setup from VPS provisioning and DNS configuration to importing n8n workflows, wiring credentials, initializing the database, and testing with built-in skills like recipe lookup and file writing. It also demonstrates adding custom skills via n8n sub-workflows and MCP integrations like Exa web search.
Table of contents
About This HandbookTable of ContentsDecapod – The DIYer's Dream AgentHow Decapod WorksRequirements and Processes – Tools I Use and RecommendAssembling the Dream Team – Ikea StyleConfiguration and WiringThe Ever-Present "Hello World"Into the Future!Future PlansGot Questions? Meet Captain Finn!Sort: