n8n-node-configuration

# n8n Node Configuration

Expert guidance for operation-aware node configuration with property dependencies.

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## Configuration Philosophy

**Progressive disclosure**: Start minimal, add complexity as needed

Configuration best practices:
- get_node_essentials is the most used discovery pattern
- 56 seconds average between configuration edits
- 91.7% success rate with essentials-based configuration

**Key insight**: Most configurations need only essentials, not full schema!

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## Core Concepts

### 1. Operation-Aware Configuration

**Not all fields are always required** - it depends on operation!

**Example**: Slack node
```javascript
// For operation='post'
{
  "resource": "message",
  "operation": "post",
  "channel": "#general",  // Required for post
  "text": "Hello!"        // Required for post
}

// For operation='update'
{
  "resource": "message",
  "operation": "update",
  "messageId": "123",     // Required for update (different!)
  "text": "Updated!"      // Required for update
  // channel NOT required for update
}
```

**Key**: Resource + operation determine which fields are required!

### 2. Property Dependencies

**Fields appear/disappear based on other field values**

**Example**: HTTP Request node
```javascript
// When method='GET'
{
  "method": "GET",
  "url": "https://api.example.com"
  // sendBody not shown (GET doesn't have body)
}

// When method='POST'
{
  "method": "POST",
  "url": "https://api.example.com",
  "sendBody": true,       // Now visible!
  "body": {               // Required when sendBody=true
    "contentType": "json",
    "content": {...}
  }
}
```

**Mechanism**: displayOptions control field visibility

### 3. Progressive Discovery

**Use the right tool for the right job**:

1. **get_node_essentials** (91.7% success rate)
   - Quick overview
   - Required fields
   - Common options
   - **Use first** - covers 90% of needs

2. **get_property_dependencies** (for complex nodes)
   - Shows what fields depend on others
   - Re