N8N's announcement of Data Tables in version 0.111 has ignited a passionate community discussion that extends far beyond the new feature itself. While the workflow automation platform celebrates adding proper data persistence capabilities, users are increasingly concerned about the company's licensing approach and what it means for the future of automation tools.
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| N8N community post announcing the launch of the Data Tables feature, reflecting user engagement and excitement |
The Fair Source Licensing Controversy
The community debate centers around N8N's use of fair source licensing, which allows users to view and modify code but restricts commercial competition. This has created a sharp divide between supporters who see it as a sustainable middle ground and critics who argue it's misleading marketing that lacks the protections of true open source software.
Proponents argue that fair source licensing protects smaller companies from being undercut by cloud giants who could offer the same service without contributing back to development. They point out that users still get most freedoms - they can download, modify, and analyze the code - while ensuring the original creators can build a sustainable business.
However, critics worry about long-term software survival and potential rug pulls where companies later restrict features or change pricing models. They argue that established licenses like GPL and AGPL already provide better-tested solutions for companies wanting to protect their business while remaining truly open source.
Migration Patterns and Alternative Solutions
The licensing concerns are driving some users to explore alternatives. Node-RED has emerged as a popular choice, offering true open source licensing under Apache 2.0, though it requires more technical expertise and lacks some of N8N's user-friendly features. Other alternatives mentioned include Windmill.dev, ActivePieces, and Tracecat, each with different approaches to licensing and functionality.
The discussion reveals a broader trend where users are becoming more cautious about building critical workflows on platforms with restrictive licensing. Some developers report they now specifically search for true FOSS alternatives to avoid potential future complications.
The Data Tables Feature Impact
Despite the licensing debates, the new Data Tables feature addresses a real pain point that many N8N users have experienced. Previously, users had to resort to workarounds like storing JSON blobs in external systems or creating custom APIs to persist data between workflow executions.
The feature allows users to store and manage data across multiple workflow runs, consolidate information for sharing, and avoid complex workarounds that were previously necessary. For many existing users, this represents a significant improvement in workflow capabilities, regardless of their concerns about licensing.
Looking Forward
The community discussion highlights a fundamental tension in modern software development between sustainability and openness. As more companies adopt fair source or similar licensing models, users are becoming more sophisticated about evaluating the long-term implications of their technology choices.
The debate also reflects growing awareness that licensing decisions impact not just legal compliance but practical concerns like vendor lock-in, migration costs, and the ability to maintain software if the original company changes direction or ceases operations.
Reference: 8 Data Tables Are Here!