n8n-mcp 2.16.1 → 2.17.1

package/dist/mcp/tool-docs/guides/ai-agents-guide.js

@@ -0,0 +1,740 @@
+"use strict";
+Object.defineProperty(exports, "__esModule", { value: true });
+exports.aiAgentsGuide = void 0;
+exports.aiAgentsGuide = {
+    name: 'ai_agents_guide',
+    category: 'guides',
+    essentials: {
+        description: 'Comprehensive guide to building AI Agent workflows in n8n. Covers architecture, connections, tools, validation, and best practices for production AI systems.',
+        keyParameters: [],
+        example: 'Use tools_documentation({topic: "ai_agents_guide"}) to access this guide',
+        performance: 'N/A - Documentation only',
+        tips: [
+            'Start with Chat Trigger → AI Agent → Language Model pattern',
+            'Always connect language model BEFORE enabling AI Agent',
+            'Use proper toolDescription for all AI tools (15+ characters)',
+            'Validate workflows with n8n_validate_workflow before deployment',
+            'Use includeExamples=true when searching for AI nodes',
+            'Check FINAL_AI_VALIDATION_SPEC.md for detailed requirements'
+        ]
+    },
+    full: {
+        description: `# Complete Guide to AI Agents in n8n
+
+This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to build production-ready AI Agent workflows in n8n.
+
+## Table of Contents
+1. [AI Agent Architecture](#architecture)
+2. [Essential Connection Types](#connections)
+3. [Building Your First AI Agent](#first-agent)
+4. [AI Tools Deep Dive](#tools)
+5. [Advanced Patterns](#advanced)
+6. [Validation & Best Practices](#validation)
+7. [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
+
+---
+
+## 1. AI Agent Architecture {#architecture}
+
+### Core Components
+
+An n8n AI Agent workflow typically consists of:
+
+1. **Chat Trigger**: Entry point for user interactions
+   - Webhook-based or manual trigger
+   - Supports streaming responses (responseMode)
+   - Passes user message to AI Agent
+
+2. **AI Agent**: The orchestrator
+   - Manages conversation flow
+   - Decides when to use tools
+   - Iterates until task is complete
+   - Supports fallback models (v2.1+)
+
+3. **Language Model**: The AI brain
+   - OpenAI GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, etc.
+   - Connected via ai_languageModel port
+   - Can have primary + fallback for reliability
+
+4. **Tools**: AI Agent's capabilities
+   - HTTP Request, Code, Vector Store, etc.
+   - Connected via ai_tool port
+   - Each tool needs clear toolDescription
+
+5. **Optional Components**:
+   - Memory (conversation history)
+   - Output Parser (structured responses)
+   - Vector Store (knowledge retrieval)
+
+### Connection Flow
+
+**CRITICAL**: AI connections flow TO the consumer (reversed from standard n8n):
+
+\`\`\`
+Standard n8n:  [Source] --main--> [Target]
+AI pattern:    [Language Model] --ai_languageModel--> [AI Agent]
+               [HTTP Tool] --ai_tool--> [AI Agent]
+\`\`\`
+
+This is why you use \`sourceOutput: "ai_languageModel"\` when connecting components.
+
+---
+
+## 2. Essential Connection Types {#connections}
+
+### The 8 AI Connection Types
+
+1. **ai_languageModel**
+   - FROM: OpenAI Chat Model, Anthropic, Google Gemini, etc.
+   - TO: AI Agent, Basic LLM Chain
+   - REQUIRED: Every AI Agent needs 1-2 language models
+   - Example: \`{type: "addConnection", source: "OpenAI", target: "AI Agent", sourceOutput: "ai_languageModel"}\`
+
+2. **ai_tool**
+   - FROM: Any tool node (HTTP Request Tool, Code Tool, etc.)
+   - TO: AI Agent
+   - REQUIRED: At least 1 tool recommended
+   - Example: \`{type: "addConnection", source: "HTTP Request Tool", target: "AI Agent", sourceOutput: "ai_tool"}\`
+
+3. **ai_memory**
+   - FROM: Window Buffer Memory, Conversation Summary, etc.
+   - TO: AI Agent
+   - OPTIONAL: 0-1 memory system
+   - Enables conversation history tracking
+
+4. **ai_outputParser**
+   - FROM: Structured Output Parser, JSON Parser, etc.
+   - TO: AI Agent
+   - OPTIONAL: For structured responses
+   - Must set hasOutputParser=true on AI Agent
+
+5. **ai_embedding**
+   - FROM: Embeddings OpenAI, Embeddings Google, etc.
+   - TO: Vector Store (Pinecone, In-Memory, etc.)
+   - REQUIRED: For vector-based retrieval
+
+6. **ai_vectorStore**
+   - FROM: Vector Store node
+   - TO: Vector Store Tool
+   - REQUIRED: For retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)
+
+7. **ai_document**
+   - FROM: Document Loader, Default Data Loader
+   - TO: Vector Store
+   - REQUIRED: Provides data for vector storage
+
+8. **ai_textSplitter**
+   - FROM: Text Splitter nodes
+   - TO: Document processing chains
+   - OPTIONAL: Chunk large documents
+
+### Connection Examples
+
+\`\`\`typescript
+// Basic AI Agent setup
+n8n_update_partial_workflow({
+  id: "workflow_id",
+  operations: [
+    // Connect language model (REQUIRED)
+    {
+      type: "addConnection",
+      source: "OpenAI Chat Model",
+      target: "AI Agent",
+      sourceOutput: "ai_languageModel"
+    },
+    // Connect tools
+    {
+      type: "addConnection",
+      source: "HTTP Request Tool",
+      target: "AI Agent",
+      sourceOutput: "ai_tool"
+    },
+    {
+      type: "addConnection",
+      source: "Code Tool",
+      target: "AI Agent",
+      sourceOutput: "ai_tool"
+    },
+    // Add memory (optional)
+    {
+      type: "addConnection",
+      source: "Window Buffer Memory",
+      target: "AI Agent",
+      sourceOutput: "ai_memory"
+    }
+  ]
+})
+\`\`\`
+
+---
+
+## 3. Building Your First AI Agent {#first-agent}
+
+### Step-by-Step Tutorial
+
+#### Step 1: Create Chat Trigger
+
+Use \`n8n_create_workflow\` or manually create a workflow with:
+
+\`\`\`typescript
+{
+  name: "My First AI Agent",
+  nodes: [
+    {
+      id: "chat_trigger",
+      name: "Chat Trigger",
+      type: "@n8n/n8n-nodes-langchain.chatTrigger",
+      position: [100, 100],
+      parameters: {
+        options: {
+          responseMode: "lastNode"  // or "streaming" for real-time
+        }
+      }
+    }
+  ],
+  connections: {}
+}
+\`\`\`
+
+#### Step 2: Add Language Model
+
+\`\`\`typescript
+n8n_update_partial_workflow({
+  id: "workflow_id",
+  operations: [
+    {
+      type: "addNode",
+      node: {
+        name: "OpenAI Chat Model",
+        type: "@n8n/n8n-nodes-langchain.lmChatOpenAi",
+        position: [300, 50],
+        parameters: {
+          model: "gpt-4",
+          temperature: 0.7
+        }
+      }
+    }
+  ]
+})
+\`\`\`
+
+#### Step 3: Add AI Agent
+
+\`\`\`typescript
+n8n_update_partial_workflow({
+  id: "workflow_id",
+  operations: [
+    {
+      type: "addNode",
+      node: {
+        name: "AI Agent",
+        type: "@n8n/n8n-nodes-langchain.agent",
+        position: [300, 150],
+        parameters: {
+          promptType: "auto",
+          systemMessage: "You are a helpful assistant. Be concise and accurate."
+        }
+      }
+    }
+  ]
+})
+\`\`\`
+
+#### Step 4: Connect Components
+
+\`\`\`typescript
+n8n_update_partial_workflow({
+  id: "workflow_id",
+  operations: [
+    // Chat Trigger → AI Agent (main connection)
+    {
+      type: "addConnection",
+      source: "Chat Trigger",
+      target: "AI Agent"
+    },
+    // Language Model → AI Agent (AI connection)
+    {
+      type: "addConnection",
+      source: "OpenAI Chat Model",
+      target: "AI Agent",
+      sourceOutput: "ai_languageModel"
+    }
+  ]
+})
+\`\`\`
+
+#### Step 5: Validate
+
+\`\`\`typescript
+n8n_validate_workflow({id: "workflow_id"})
+\`\`\`
+
+---
+
+## 4. AI Tools Deep Dive {#tools}
+
+### Tool Types and When to Use Them
+
+#### 1. HTTP Request Tool
+**Use when**: AI needs to call external APIs
+
+**Critical Requirements**:
+- \`toolDescription\`: Clear, 15+ character description
+- \`url\`: API endpoint (can include placeholders)
+- \`placeholderDefinitions\`: Define all {placeholders}
+- Proper authentication if needed
+
+**Example**:
+\`\`\`typescript
+{
+  type: "addNode",
+  node: {
+    name: "GitHub Issues Tool",
+    type: "@n8n/n8n-nodes-langchain.toolHttpRequest",
+    position: [500, 100],
+    parameters: {
+      method: "POST",
+      url: "https://api.github.com/repos/{owner}/{repo}/issues",
+      toolDescription: "Create GitHub issues. Requires owner (username), repo (repository name), title, and body.",
+      placeholderDefinitions: {
+        values: [
+          {name: "owner", description: "Repository owner username"},
+          {name: "repo", description: "Repository name"},
+          {name: "title", description: "Issue title"},
+          {name: "body", description: "Issue description"}
+        ]
+      },
+      sendBody: true,
+      jsonBody: "={{ { title: $json.title, body: $json.body } }}"
+    }
+  }
+}
+\`\`\`
+
+#### 2. Code Tool
+**Use when**: AI needs to run custom logic
+
+**Critical Requirements**:
+- \`name\`: Function name (alphanumeric + underscore)
+- \`description\`: 10+ character explanation
+- \`code\`: JavaScript or Python code
+- \`inputSchema\`: Define expected inputs (recommended)
+
+**Example**:
+\`\`\`typescript
+{
+  type: "addNode",
+  node: {
+    name: "Calculate Shipping",
+    type: "@n8n/n8n-nodes-langchain.toolCode",
+    position: [500, 200],
+    parameters: {
+      name: "calculate_shipping",
+      description: "Calculate shipping cost based on weight (kg) and distance (km)",
+      language: "javaScript",
+      code: "const cost = 5 + ($input.weight * 2) + ($input.distance * 0.1); return { cost };",
+      specifyInputSchema: true,
+      inputSchema: "{ \\"type\\": \\"object\\", \\"properties\\": { \\"weight\\": { \\"type\\": \\"number\\" }, \\"distance\\": { \\"type\\": \\"number\\" } } }"
+    }
+  }
+}
+\`\`\`
+
+#### 3. Vector Store Tool
+**Use when**: AI needs to search knowledge base
+
+**Setup**: Requires Vector Store + Embeddings + Documents
+
+**Example**:
+\`\`\`typescript
+// Step 1: Create Vector Store with embeddings and documents
+n8n_update_partial_workflow({
+  operations: [
+    {type: "addConnection", source: "Embeddings OpenAI", target: "Pinecone", sourceOutput: "ai_embedding"},
+    {type: "addConnection", source: "Document Loader", target: "Pinecone", sourceOutput: "ai_document"}
+  ]
+})
+
+// Step 2: Connect Vector Store to Vector Store Tool
+n8n_update_partial_workflow({
+  operations: [
+    {type: "addConnection", source: "Pinecone", target: "Vector Store Tool", sourceOutput: "ai_vectorStore"}
+  ]
+})
+
+// Step 3: Connect tool to AI Agent
+n8n_update_partial_workflow({
+  operations: [
+    {type: "addConnection", source: "Vector Store Tool", target: "AI Agent", sourceOutput: "ai_tool"}
+  ]
+})
+\`\`\`
+
+#### 4. AI Agent Tool (Sub-Agents)
+**Use when**: Need specialized expertise
+
+**Example**: Research specialist sub-agent
+\`\`\`typescript
+{
+  type: "addNode",
+  node: {
+    name: "Research Specialist",
+    type: "@n8n/n8n-nodes-langchain.agentTool",
+    position: [500, 300],
+    parameters: {
+      name: "research_specialist",
+      description: "Expert researcher that searches multiple sources and synthesizes information. Use for detailed research tasks.",
+      systemMessage: "You are a research specialist. Search thoroughly, cite sources, and provide comprehensive analysis."
+    }
+  }
+}
+\`\`\`
+
+#### 5. MCP Client Tool
+**Use when**: Need to use Model Context Protocol servers
+
+**Example**: Filesystem access
+\`\`\`typescript
+{
+  type: "addNode",
+  node: {
+    name: "Filesystem Tool",
+    type: "@n8n/n8n-nodes-langchain.mcpClientTool",
+    position: [500, 400],
+    parameters: {
+      description: "Access file system to read files, list directories, and search content",
+      mcpServer: {
+        transport: "stdio",
+        command: "npx",
+        args: ["-y", "@modelcontextprotocol/server-filesystem", "/allowed/path"]
+      },
+      tool: "read_file"
+    }
+  }
+}
+\`\`\`
+
+---
+
+## 5. Advanced Patterns {#advanced}
+
+### Pattern 1: Streaming Responses
+
+For real-time user experience:
+
+\`\`\`typescript
+// Set Chat Trigger to streaming mode
+{
+  parameters: {
+    options: {
+      responseMode: "streaming"
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+// CRITICAL: AI Agent must NOT have main output connections in streaming mode
+// Responses stream back through Chat Trigger automatically
+\`\`\`
+
+**Validation will fail if**:
+- Chat Trigger has streaming but target is not AI Agent
+- AI Agent in streaming mode has main output connections
+
+### Pattern 2: Fallback Language Models
+
+For production reliability (requires AI Agent v2.1+):
+
+\`\`\`typescript
+n8n_update_partial_workflow({
+  operations: [
+    // Primary model
+    {
+      type: "addConnection",
+      source: "OpenAI GPT-4",
+      target: "AI Agent",
+      sourceOutput: "ai_languageModel",
+      targetIndex: 0
+    },
+    // Fallback model
+    {
+      type: "addConnection",
+      source: "Anthropic Claude",
+      target: "AI Agent",
+      sourceOutput: "ai_languageModel",
+      targetIndex: 1
+    }
+  ]
+})
+
+// Enable fallback on AI Agent
+{
+  type: "updateNode",
+  nodeName: "AI Agent",
+  updates: {
+    "parameters.needsFallback": true
+  }
+}
+\`\`\`
+
+### Pattern 3: RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)
+
+Complete knowledge base setup:
+
+\`\`\`typescript
+// 1. Load documents
+{type: "addConnection", source: "PDF Loader", target: "Text Splitter", sourceOutput: "ai_document"}
+
+// 2. Split and embed
+{type: "addConnection", source: "Text Splitter", target: "Vector Store"}
+{type: "addConnection", source: "Embeddings", target: "Vector Store", sourceOutput: "ai_embedding"}
+
+// 3. Create search tool
+{type: "addConnection", source: "Vector Store", target: "Vector Store Tool", sourceOutput: "ai_vectorStore"}
+
+// 4. Give tool to agent
+{type: "addConnection", source: "Vector Store Tool", target: "AI Agent", sourceOutput: "ai_tool"}
+\`\`\`
+
+### Pattern 4: Multi-Agent Systems
+
+Specialized sub-agents for complex tasks:
+
+\`\`\`typescript
+// Create sub-agents with specific expertise
+[
+  {name: "research_agent", description: "Deep research specialist"},
+  {name: "data_analyst", description: "Data analysis expert"},
+  {name: "writer_agent", description: "Content writing specialist"}
+].forEach(agent => {
+  // Add as AI Agent Tool to main coordinator agent
+  {
+    type: "addConnection",
+    source: agent.name,
+    target: "Coordinator Agent",
+    sourceOutput: "ai_tool"
+  }
+})
+\`\`\`
+
+---
+
+## 6. Validation & Best Practices {#validation}
+
+### Always Validate Before Deployment
+
+\`\`\`typescript
+const result = n8n_validate_workflow({id: "workflow_id"})
+
+if (!result.valid) {
+  console.log("Errors:", result.errors)
+  console.log("Warnings:", result.warnings)
+  console.log("Suggestions:", result.suggestions)
+}
+\`\`\`
+
+### Common Validation Errors
+
+1. **MISSING_LANGUAGE_MODEL**
+   - Problem: AI Agent has no ai_languageModel connection
+   - Fix: Connect a language model before creating AI Agent
+
+2. **MISSING_TOOL_DESCRIPTION**
+   - Problem: HTTP Request Tool has no toolDescription
+   - Fix: Add clear description (15+ characters)
+
+3. **STREAMING_WITH_MAIN_OUTPUT**
+   - Problem: AI Agent in streaming mode has outgoing main connections
+   - Fix: Remove main connections when using streaming
+
+4. **FALLBACK_MISSING_SECOND_MODEL**
+   - Problem: needsFallback=true but only 1 language model
+   - Fix: Add second language model or disable needsFallback
+
+### Best Practices Checklist
+
+✅ **Before Creating AI Agent**:
+- [ ] Language model is connected first
+- [ ] At least one tool is prepared (or will be added)
+- [ ] System message is thoughtful and specific
+
+✅ **For Each Tool**:
+- [ ] Has toolDescription/description (15+ characters)
+- [ ] toolDescription explains WHEN to use the tool
+- [ ] All required parameters are configured
+- [ ] Credentials are set up if needed
+
+✅ **For Production**:
+- [ ] Workflow validated with n8n_validate_workflow
+- [ ] Tested with real user queries
+- [ ] Fallback model configured for reliability
+- [ ] Error handling in place
+- [ ] maxIterations set appropriately (default 10, max 50)
+
+---
+
+## 7. Troubleshooting {#troubleshooting}
+
+### Problem: "AI Agent has no language model"
+
+**Cause**: Connection created AFTER AI Agent or using wrong sourceOutput
+
+**Solution**:
+\`\`\`typescript
+n8n_update_partial_workflow({
+  operations: [
+    {
+      type: "addConnection",
+      source: "OpenAI Chat Model",
+      target: "AI Agent",
+      sourceOutput: "ai_languageModel"  // ← CRITICAL
+    }
+  ]
+})
+\`\`\`
+
+### Problem: "Tool has no description"
+
+**Cause**: HTTP Request Tool or Code Tool missing toolDescription/description
+
+**Solution**:
+\`\`\`typescript
+{
+  type: "updateNode",
+  nodeName: "HTTP Request Tool",
+  updates: {
+    "parameters.toolDescription": "Call weather API to get current conditions for a city"
+  }
+}
+\`\`\`
+
+### Problem: "Streaming mode not working"
+
+**Causes**:
+1. Chat Trigger not set to streaming
+2. AI Agent has main output connections
+3. Target of Chat Trigger is not AI Agent
+
+**Solution**:
+\`\`\`typescript
+// 1. Set Chat Trigger to streaming
+{
+  type: "updateNode",
+  nodeName: "Chat Trigger",
+  updates: {
+    "parameters.options.responseMode": "streaming"
+  }
+}
+
+// 2. Remove AI Agent main outputs
+{
+  type: "removeConnection",
+  source: "AI Agent",
+  target: "Any Output Node"
+}
+\`\`\`
+
+### Problem: "Agent keeps looping"
+
+**Cause**: Tool not returning proper response or agent stuck in reasoning loop
+
+**Solutions**:
+1. Set maxIterations lower: \`"parameters.maxIterations": 5\`
+2. Improve tool descriptions to be more specific
+3. Add system message guidance: "Use tools efficiently, don't repeat actions"
+
+---
+
+## Quick Reference
+
+### Essential Tools
+
+| Tool | Purpose | Key Parameters |
+|------|---------|----------------|
+| HTTP Request Tool | API calls | toolDescription, url, placeholders |
+| Code Tool | Custom logic | name, description, code, inputSchema |
+| Vector Store Tool | Knowledge search | description, topK |
+| AI Agent Tool | Sub-agents | name, description, systemMessage |
+| MCP Client Tool | MCP protocol | description, mcpServer, tool |
+
+### Connection Quick Codes
+
+\`\`\`typescript
+// Language Model → AI Agent
+sourceOutput: "ai_languageModel"
+
+// Tool → AI Agent
+sourceOutput: "ai_tool"
+
+// Memory → AI Agent
+sourceOutput: "ai_memory"
+
+// Parser → AI Agent
+sourceOutput: "ai_outputParser"
+
+// Embeddings → Vector Store
+sourceOutput: "ai_embedding"
+
+// Vector Store → Vector Store Tool
+sourceOutput: "ai_vectorStore"
+\`\`\`
+
+### Validation Command
+
+\`\`\`typescript
+n8n_validate_workflow({id: "workflow_id"})
+\`\`\`
+
+---
+
+## Related Resources
+
+- **FINAL_AI_VALIDATION_SPEC.md**: Complete validation rules
+- **n8n_update_partial_workflow**: Workflow modification tool
+- **search_nodes({query: "AI", includeExamples: true})**: Find AI nodes with examples
+- **get_node_essentials({nodeType: "...", includeExamples: true})**: Node details with examples
+
+---
+
+*This guide is part of the n8n-mcp documentation system. For questions or issues, refer to the validation spec or use tools_documentation() for specific topics.*`,
+        parameters: {},
+        returns: 'Complete AI Agents guide with architecture, patterns, validation, and troubleshooting',
+        examples: [
+            'tools_documentation({topic: "ai_agents_guide"}) - Full guide',
+            'tools_documentation({topic: "ai_agents_guide", depth: "essentials"}) - Quick reference',
+            'When user asks about AI Agents, Chat Trigger, or building AI workflows → Point to this guide'
+        ],
+        useCases: [
+            'Learning AI Agent architecture in n8n',
+            'Understanding AI connection types and patterns',
+            'Building first AI Agent workflow step-by-step',
+            'Implementing advanced patterns (streaming, fallback, RAG, multi-agent)',
+            'Troubleshooting AI workflow issues',
+            'Validating AI workflows before deployment',
+            'Quick reference for connection types and tools'
+        ],
+        performance: 'N/A - Static documentation',
+        bestPractices: [
+            'Reference this guide when users ask about AI Agents',
+            'Point to specific sections based on user needs',
+            'Combine with search_nodes(includeExamples=true) for working examples',
+            'Validate workflows after following guide instructions',
+            'Use FINAL_AI_VALIDATION_SPEC.md for detailed requirements'
+        ],
+        pitfalls: [
+            'This is a guide, not an executable tool',
+            'Always validate workflows after making changes',
+            'AI connections require sourceOutput parameter',
+            'Streaming mode has specific constraints',
+            'Some features require specific AI Agent versions (v2.1+ for fallback)'
+        ],
+        relatedTools: [
+            'n8n_create_workflow',
+            'n8n_update_partial_workflow',
+            'n8n_validate_workflow',
+            'search_nodes',
+            'get_node_essentials',
+            'list_ai_tools'
+        ]
+    }
+};
+//# sourceMappingURL=ai-agents-guide.js.map