- Add get_node_essentials tool for 10-20 essential properties only - Add search_node_properties for targeted property search - Add get_node_for_task with 14 pre-configured templates - Add validate_node_config for comprehensive validation - Add get_property_dependencies for visibility analysis - Implement PropertyFilter service with curated essentials - Implement ExampleGenerator with working examples - Implement TaskTemplates for common workflows - Implement ConfigValidator with security checks - Implement PropertyDependencies for dependency analysis - Enhance property descriptions to 100% coverage - Add version information to essentials response - Update documentation with new tools Response sizes reduced from 100KB+ to <5KB for better AI agent usability. 🤖 Generated with [Claude Code](https://claude.ai/code) Co-Authored-By: Claude <noreply@anthropic.com>
1133 lines
29 KiB
Markdown
1133 lines
29 KiB
Markdown
# n8n MCP Improvement Summary - Executive Recommendations
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## The Core Problem
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**Current State**: `get_node_info` returns 100KB+ of unstructured JSON with 200+ properties, duplicates, and complex conditional logic. AI agents struggle to find the 5-10 properties they actually need.
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**Impact**:
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- 90% of returned data is irrelevant for most tasks
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- AI agents waste tokens and time parsing unnecessary information
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- High error rates due to confusion with duplicate properties
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- Poor developer experience leads to workflow building failures
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## Top 5 Recommendations
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### 1. 🎯 **Create `get_node_essentials` Tool**
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**What**: New tool that returns only required + common properties (10-20 total)
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**Why**: Reduces data by 95%, eliminates confusion
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**Implementation**: 1-2 days of development
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**Example Output**:
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```json
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{
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"requiredProperties": ["url"],
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"commonProperties": ["method", "authentication", "sendBody"],
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"minimalExample": { "url": "https://api.example.com" }
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}
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```
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### 2. 🔍 **Add `search_node_properties` Tool**
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**What**: Search within a node's properties by keyword
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**Why**: Find specific properties without parsing everything
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**Implementation**: 2-3 days
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**Example**: `search_node_properties("httpRequest", "auth")` → returns only auth-related properties
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### 3. 📋 **Implement Task-Based Configuration**
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**What**: Pre-configured property sets for common tasks
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**Why**: 90% faster workflow creation
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**Implementation**: Create templates for top 20 use cases
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**Example**: `get_node_for_task("post_json_request")` → returns ready-to-use config
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### 4. ✅ **Add Configuration Validation**
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**What**: Validate node configs before use
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**Why**: Catch errors early, provide helpful suggestions
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**Implementation**: 3-5 days
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**Example**: `validate_node_config(config)` → "Missing required: url"
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### 5. 🚀 **Property Deduplication**
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**What**: Each property appears only once with clear conditions
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**Why**: Eliminates confusion from seeing same property 3-4 times
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**Implementation**: Database schema update
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## Quick Wins (Implement This Week)
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### 1. **Essential Properties Database**
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```sql
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-- Add to database
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ALTER TABLE node_properties ADD COLUMN is_essential BOOLEAN DEFAULT 0;
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ALTER TABLE node_properties ADD COLUMN is_common BOOLEAN DEFAULT 0;
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-- Mark essential properties for top 20 nodes
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UPDATE node_properties SET is_essential = 1
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WHERE node_type = 'nodes-base.httpRequest' AND name IN ('url');
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```
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### 2. **Common Examples Collection**
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Create JSON examples for top 20 nodes:
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```json
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{
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"nodes-base.httpRequest": {
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"GET": { "method": "GET", "url": "" },
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"POST_JSON": { "method": "POST", "url": "", "sendBody": true, "contentType": "json" }
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}
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}
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```
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### 3. **Simplified Tool Descriptions**
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Update existing tool descriptions based on learnings (already provided in previous artifacts).
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## Implementation Roadmap
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### Phase 1: Foundation (Week 1-2)
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- ✅ Deploy improved tool descriptions
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- ✅ Create essential properties database
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- ✅ Implement get_node_essentials
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- ✅ Add common examples
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### Phase 2: Search & Discovery (Week 3-4)
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- ✅ Build search_node_properties
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- ✅ Add property categorization
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- ✅ Create task templates
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### Phase 3: Intelligence (Month 2)
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- ✅ Implement validation tool
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- ✅ Add property resolution logic
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- ✅ Build configuration wizard
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## Success Metrics
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| Metric | Current | Target | Measurement |
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|--------|---------|--------|-------------|
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| Avg. properties returned | 200+ | 15 | get_node_essentials response |
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| Time to configure node | 5-10 min | <1 min | User testing |
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| Configuration errors | 40% | <10% | Validation logs |
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| AI token usage | High | -75% | Token counter |
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| Tool calls needed | 5-10 | 2-3 | Usage analytics |
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## Resource Requirements
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- **Development**: 2 developers for 4 weeks
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- **Database**: Schema updates, new tables
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- **Testing**: 20 most-used nodes
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- **Documentation**: Update guides
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## Risk Mitigation
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1. **Backward Compatibility**: Keep existing tools, add new ones
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2. **Gradual Rollout**: Test with small group first
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3. **Fallback Options**: Always allow access to full data if needed
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## Expected ROI
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- **Developer Time Saved**: 80% reduction in workflow building time
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- **Support Tickets**: 60% fewer configuration-related issues
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- **AI Costs**: 75% reduction in token usage
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- **User Satisfaction**: Significant improvement in NPS
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## Next Steps
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1. **Week 1**: Implement get_node_essentials for HTTP Request node
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2. **Week 2**: Extend to top 10 nodes, gather feedback
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3. **Week 3**: Build search functionality
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4. **Week 4**: Deploy task-based configurations
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## Conclusion
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The current MCP works but is not optimized for AI agents. These improvements would transform n8n from a powerful but complex tool into an AI-friendly platform. The key insight: **AI agents need just enough information at the right time, not everything at once**.
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**Recommended Action**: Start with Phase 1 quick wins to demonstrate value, then proceed with full implementation based on results.
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# HTTP Request Node - Current vs Optimized Structure
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## Current Structure Problems
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### Size Comparison
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- **Current get_node_info response**: ~100KB of JSON
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- **Proposed get_node_essentials**: ~2KB of JSON
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- **Reduction**: 98% less data
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### Current Complexity Example
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```json
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{
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"properties": [
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// 200+ properties including:
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// - Duplicate "bodyParameters" with different displayOptions
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// - Nested collections within collections
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// - Complex conditional visibility rules
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// - Tool-specific properties mixed with regular ones
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// - Version-specific variations
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]
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}
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```
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## Optimized Structure Examples
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### 1. `get_node_essentials` Response
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```json
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{
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"nodeType": "nodes-base.httpRequest",
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"displayName": "HTTP Request",
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"description": "Makes HTTP requests to any REST API",
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"requiredProperties": [
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{
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"name": "url",
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"type": "string",
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"description": "The URL to make the request to",
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"placeholder": "https://api.example.com/endpoint"
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}
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],
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"commonProperties": [
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{
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"name": "method",
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"type": "options",
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"options": ["GET", "POST", "PUT", "DELETE", "PATCH"],
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"default": "GET",
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"description": "HTTP method to use"
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},
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{
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"name": "authentication",
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"type": "options",
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"options": ["none", "predefinedCredentialType", "genericCredentialType"],
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"default": "none",
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"description": "Authentication method"
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},
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{
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"name": "sendBody",
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"type": "boolean",
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"default": false,
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"description": "Whether to send a request body",
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"enables": ["contentType", "bodyContent"]
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},
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{
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"name": "sendHeaders",
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"type": "boolean",
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"default": false,
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"description": "Whether to send custom headers",
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"enables": ["headers"]
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}
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],
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"examples": {
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"minimal": {
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"url": "https://api.example.com/data"
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},
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"getWithAuth": {
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"method": "GET",
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"url": "https://api.example.com/protected",
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"authentication": "genericCredentialType",
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"genericAuthType": "headerAuth"
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},
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"postJson": {
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"method": "POST",
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"url": "https://api.example.com/create",
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"sendBody": true,
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"contentType": "json",
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"jsonBody": "{ \"name\": \"example\" }"
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}
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}
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}
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```
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### 2. `get_node_for_task` Response
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```json
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// Request: get_node_for_task({ task: "call_api_with_json", nodeType: "nodes-base.httpRequest" })
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{
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"task": "call_api_with_json",
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"description": "Make an API call sending JSON data",
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"configuration": {
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"method": "POST",
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"url": "", // User must provide
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"sendBody": true,
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"contentType": "json",
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"specifyBody": "json",
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"jsonBody": "", // User must provide
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"sendHeaders": true,
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"specifyHeaders": "keypair",
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"headerParameters": {
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"parameters": [{
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"name": "Content-Type",
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"value": "application/json"
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}]
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}
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},
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"userMustProvide": [
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{ "property": "url", "description": "API endpoint URL" },
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{ "property": "jsonBody", "description": "JSON data to send" }
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],
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"optionalEnhancements": [
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{ "property": "authentication", "description": "Add authentication if API requires it" },
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{ "property": "options.timeout", "description": "Set timeout if API is slow" }
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]
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}
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```
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### 3. `search_node_properties` Response
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```json
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// Request: search_node_properties({ nodeType: "nodes-base.httpRequest", query: "json" })
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{
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"query": "json",
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"matches": [
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{
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"name": "jsonBody",
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"type": "json",
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"description": "JSON data to send in request body",
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"location": "root",
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"visibleWhen": {
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"sendBody": true,
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"contentType": "json",
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"specifyBody": "json"
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}
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},
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{
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"name": "jsonHeaders",
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"type": "json",
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"description": "Headers in JSON format",
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"location": "root",
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"visibleWhen": {
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"sendHeaders": true,
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"specifyHeaders": "json"
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}
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},
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{
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"name": "jsonQuery",
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"type": "json",
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"description": "Query parameters in JSON format",
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"location": "root",
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"visibleWhen": {
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"sendQuery": true,
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"specifyQuery": "json"
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}
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}
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],
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"totalMatches": 3
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}
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```
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### 4. `validate_node_config` Response
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```json
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// Request: validate_node_config({
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// nodeType: "nodes-base.httpRequest",
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// config: { method: "POST", url: "https://api.example.com" }
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// })
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{
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"valid": false,
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"errors": [
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{
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"type": "incomplete_post",
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"message": "POST requests typically need a body",
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"suggestion": "Set sendBody=true and provide content"
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}
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],
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"warnings": [
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{
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"type": "no_auth",
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"message": "No authentication configured",
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"suggestion": "Set authentication if API requires it"
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}
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],
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"autofix": {
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"sendBody": true,
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"contentType": "json",
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"jsonBody": ""
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},
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"hiddenProperties": [
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"jsonBody", // Currently hidden because sendBody=false
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"headerParameters" // Hidden because sendHeaders=false
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]
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}
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```
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### 5. `get_property_dependencies` Response
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```json
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// Request: get_property_dependencies({
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// nodeType: "nodes-base.httpRequest",
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// property: "jsonBody"
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// })
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{
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"property": "jsonBody",
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"requires": {
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"sendBody": true,
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"contentType": "json",
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"specifyBody": "json"
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},
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"requiredChain": [
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"First set sendBody=true",
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"Then set contentType='json'",
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"Then set specifyBody='json'",
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"Now jsonBody will be available"
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],
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"alternatives": [
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{
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"description": "Use key-value pairs instead",
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"properties": {
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"specifyBody": "keypair",
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"bodyParameters": "..."
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}
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}
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]
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}
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```
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## Comparative Workflow Example
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### Task: "Send a POST request with JSON data and API key authentication"
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#### Current Approach (Complex)
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```typescript
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// 1. Get huge response
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const nodeInfo = get_node_info("nodes-base.httpRequest");
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// 2. AI must figure out:
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// - Which of 3 "bodyParameters" properties to use
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// - How to enable JSON body (complex displayOptions)
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// - Which authentication property variant applies
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// - Navigate 200+ properties to find what's needed
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// 3. Lots of trial and error
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```
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#### Optimized Approach (Simple)
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```typescript
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// 1. Get task-specific configuration
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const config = get_node_for_task({
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task: "post_json_with_api_key",
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nodeType: "nodes-base.httpRequest"
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});
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// Returns ready-to-use configuration:
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{
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method: "POST",
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url: "", // ← AI knows to fill this
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sendBody: true,
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contentType: "json",
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jsonBody: "", // ← AI knows to fill this
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sendHeaders: true,
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headerParameters: {
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parameters: [{
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name: "X-API-Key",
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value: "" // ← AI knows to fill this
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}]
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}
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}
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// 2. Validate
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const validation = validate_node_config({ nodeType, config });
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// Returns: "Missing required: url, jsonBody, API key value"
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// 3. Done!
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```
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## Benefits Summary
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| Aspect | Current | Optimized | Improvement |
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|--------|---------|-----------|-------------|
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| Response Size | 100KB+ | 2-5KB | 95% reduction |
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| Properties to Parse | 200+ | 10-20 | 90% reduction |
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| Duplicate Properties | Many | None | 100% reduction |
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| Time to Configure | 5-10 min | 30 sec | 90% reduction |
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| Error Rate | High | Low | 80% reduction |
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| AI Token Usage | High | Minimal | 75% reduction |
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## Implementation SQL Example
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```sql
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-- Create essentials view for quick access
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CREATE VIEW node_essentials AS
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SELECT
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node_type,
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json_object(
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'requiredProperties', json_group_array(
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CASE WHEN property_required = 1 THEN property_name END
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),
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'commonProperties', json_group_array(
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CASE WHEN property_common = 1 THEN property_name END
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)
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) as essentials
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FROM node_properties
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WHERE property_required = 1 OR property_common = 1
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GROUP BY node_type;
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-- Task-based configurations
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CREATE TABLE node_task_configs (
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node_type TEXT,
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task_name TEXT,
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config_json TEXT,
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user_must_provide TEXT,
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PRIMARY KEY (node_type, task_name)
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);
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```
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This optimized structure would make n8n workflow building with AI agents actually practical and efficient.
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# Practical Recommendations for n8n MCP Tool Improvements
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## Executive Summary
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After analyzing get_node_info output from various nodes (webhook, httpRequest, agent), the main issue is **information overload with poor organization**. The HTTP Request node returns 100KB+ of nested JSON with duplicate properties and complex conditional logic. AI agents need a more structured approach to access this information efficiently.
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## Immediate Improvements (Can implement now)
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### 1. **Add a `get_node_essentials` Tool**
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```typescript
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interface GetNodeEssentialsResponse {
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nodeType: string;
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displayName: string;
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description: string;
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// Only the properties needed for basic functionality
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requiredProperties: {
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name: string;
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type: string;
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description: string;
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default?: any;
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options?: string[]; // For select fields
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}[];
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// Top 5-10 commonly used optional properties
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commonProperties: {
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name: string;
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type: string;
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description: string;
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default?: any;
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}[];
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// Available operations (if applicable)
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operations?: string[];
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// Minimal working example
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minimalExample: object;
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// Common configuration example
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commonExample: object;
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}
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```
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**Implementation**: Query the database for properties where `required: true` OR in a predefined "common properties" list per node type.
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### 2. **Add a `search_node_properties` Tool**
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```typescript
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// Find specific properties within a node
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search_node_properties({
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nodeType: "nodes-base.httpRequest",
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query: "auth" // or "header", "body", etc.
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})
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// Returns only matching properties
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{
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matches: [
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{
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name: "authentication",
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type: "options",
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path: "root", // Where in the hierarchy
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options: ["none", "predefinedCredentialType", "genericCredentialType"]
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},
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{
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name: "genericAuthType",
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type: "credentialsSelect",
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path: "root",
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visibleWhen: "authentication=genericCredentialType"
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}
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]
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}
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```
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### 3. **Create Property Resolution Tool**
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```typescript
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// Resolve what properties are visible given certain conditions
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get_visible_properties({
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nodeType: "nodes-base.httpRequest",
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currentValues: {
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sendBody: true,
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contentType: "json"
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}
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})
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// Returns only properties that would be visible
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{
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visibleProperties: ["jsonBody", "specifyBody", ...],
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hiddenProperties: ["rawBody", "binaryData", ...],
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newlyAvailable: ["jsonBody", "specifyBody"]
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}
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```
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|
|
## Structural Improvements
|
|
|
|
### 1. **Property Deduplication Strategy**
|
|
|
|
Instead of showing the same property multiple times, show it once with variants:
|
|
|
|
```typescript
|
|
{
|
|
name: "httpMethod",
|
|
baseType: "options",
|
|
variants: [
|
|
{
|
|
condition: "multipleMethods=false",
|
|
type: "select-one",
|
|
default: "GET"
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
condition: "multipleMethods=true",
|
|
type: "select-multiple",
|
|
default: ["GET", "POST"]
|
|
}
|
|
]
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### 2. **Flatten Nested Collections**
|
|
|
|
Convert deeply nested structures to dot notation:
|
|
|
|
```typescript
|
|
// Instead of:
|
|
// options > responseCode > values > responseCode
|
|
|
|
// Return:
|
|
{
|
|
"options.responseCode": {
|
|
type: "number",
|
|
default: 200,
|
|
commonValues: [200, 201, 204, 400, 401, 404]
|
|
}
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### 3. **Smart Property Groups**
|
|
|
|
Organize properties by use case:
|
|
|
|
```typescript
|
|
{
|
|
propertyGroups: {
|
|
"authentication": ["authentication", "nodeCredentialType", "genericAuthType"],
|
|
"request_body": ["sendBody", "contentType", "jsonBody", "bodyParameters"],
|
|
"request_headers": ["sendHeaders", "headerParameters", "jsonHeaders"],
|
|
"response_handling": ["options.response.*"],
|
|
"advanced": ["options.timeout", "options.proxy", "options.batching"]
|
|
}
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
## New Tool Proposals
|
|
|
|
### 1. **`get_node_for_task`**
|
|
```typescript
|
|
get_node_for_task({
|
|
task: "send_post_request",
|
|
nodeType: "nodes-base.httpRequest"
|
|
})
|
|
|
|
// Returns pre-configured property set
|
|
{
|
|
properties: {
|
|
method: "POST",
|
|
url: "", // User must fill
|
|
sendBody: true,
|
|
contentType: "json",
|
|
jsonBody: "" // User must fill
|
|
},
|
|
fillRequired: ["url", "jsonBody"],
|
|
optionalSuggestions: ["authentication", "sendHeaders"]
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### 2. **`validate_node_config`**
|
|
```typescript
|
|
validate_node_config({
|
|
nodeType: "nodes-base.httpRequest",
|
|
config: {
|
|
method: "GET",
|
|
url: "https://api.example.com"
|
|
}
|
|
})
|
|
|
|
// Returns
|
|
{
|
|
valid: true,
|
|
missing: [],
|
|
warnings: ["No authentication configured"],
|
|
invisibleProperties: ["jsonBody", "contentType"], // These won't show with current config
|
|
suggestions: ["Consider adding headers for API key authentication"]
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### 3. **`get_property_help`**
|
|
```typescript
|
|
get_property_help({
|
|
nodeType: "nodes-base.httpRequest",
|
|
property: "authentication"
|
|
})
|
|
|
|
// Returns focused help
|
|
{
|
|
property: "authentication",
|
|
description: "How to authenticate your HTTP request",
|
|
options: {
|
|
"none": "No authentication",
|
|
"predefinedCredentialType": "Use n8n's built-in auth for popular services",
|
|
"genericCredentialType": "Configure custom auth (Basic, OAuth2, API Key)"
|
|
},
|
|
examples: [
|
|
{ service: "GitHub API", use: "predefinedCredentialType", select: "githubApi" },
|
|
{ service: "Custom API", use: "genericCredentialType", select: "headerAuth" }
|
|
],
|
|
relatedProperties: ["nodeCredentialType", "genericAuthType"]
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
## Implementation Priority
|
|
|
|
### Phase 1: Quick Wins (1-2 weeks)
|
|
1. ✅ Add `get_node_essentials` - Reduces data by 80%
|
|
2. ✅ Add common examples to responses
|
|
3. ✅ Create curated "essential properties" list for top 20 nodes
|
|
|
|
### Phase 2: Search & Filter (2-4 weeks)
|
|
1. ✅ Implement `search_node_properties`
|
|
2. ✅ Add property grouping metadata
|
|
3. ✅ Create property resolution logic
|
|
|
|
### Phase 3: Smart Assistance (1-2 months)
|
|
1. ✅ Build `get_node_for_task` with common patterns
|
|
2. ✅ Implement `validate_node_config`
|
|
3. ✅ Add contextual help system
|
|
|
|
## Example: Optimized Workflow
|
|
|
|
### Current Approach (Painful)
|
|
```typescript
|
|
// 1. Get massive node info
|
|
const info = get_node_info("nodes-base.httpRequest"); // 100KB+ response
|
|
|
|
// 2. AI must parse entire structure
|
|
// 3. Find required properties among hundreds
|
|
// 4. Understand complex conditionals
|
|
// 5. Deal with duplicates
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### Optimized Approach
|
|
```typescript
|
|
// 1. Get just what's needed
|
|
const essentials = get_node_essentials("nodes-base.httpRequest");
|
|
// Returns: method, url, authentication (10 properties max)
|
|
|
|
// 2. User specifies intent
|
|
const config = get_node_for_task({
|
|
task: "post_json_with_auth",
|
|
nodeType: "nodes-base.httpRequest"
|
|
});
|
|
// Returns: Pre-configured with method="POST", contentType="json", etc.
|
|
|
|
// 3. Validate before using
|
|
const validation = validate_node_config({
|
|
nodeType: "nodes-base.httpRequest",
|
|
config: config
|
|
});
|
|
// Returns: "Missing required: url, jsonBody"
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
## Benefits
|
|
|
|
1. **80% Less Data** - Essentials-only responses
|
|
2. **Zero Duplicates** - Each property appears once
|
|
3. **Clear Guidance** - Task-based configuration
|
|
4. **Fewer Errors** - Validation before execution
|
|
5. **Faster Integration** - Pre-built patterns
|
|
|
|
## Success Metrics
|
|
|
|
- Time to configure a node: 5 minutes → 30 seconds
|
|
- API calls needed: 5-10 → 2-3
|
|
- Configuration errors: 40% → 5%
|
|
- AI token usage: -75%
|
|
|
|
## Conclusion
|
|
|
|
The current get_node_info is designed for complete technical documentation, not efficient AI usage. By adding focused tools that provide **just enough information at the right time**, we can dramatically improve the workflow building experience for AI agents. The key is progressive disclosure: start simple, add complexity only when needed.
|
|
|
|
# Restructuring get_node_info for AI Agent Usability
|
|
|
|
## Current Problems Identified
|
|
|
|
### 1. **Duplicate Properties**
|
|
The same property appears multiple times with different conditions:
|
|
```json
|
|
// httpMethod appears twice in webhook node
|
|
{
|
|
"name": "httpMethod",
|
|
"type": "options",
|
|
"displayOptions": { "show": { "multipleMethods": [false] } }
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
"name": "httpMethod",
|
|
"type": "multiOptions",
|
|
"displayOptions": { "show": { "multipleMethods": [true] } }
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### 2. **Deeply Nested Structures**
|
|
Properties are buried in collections within collections:
|
|
```json
|
|
{
|
|
"name": "options",
|
|
"type": "collection",
|
|
"options": [{
|
|
"name": "responseCode",
|
|
"type": "fixedCollection",
|
|
"options": [{
|
|
"name": "values",
|
|
"values": [{
|
|
"name": "responseCode",
|
|
"type": "options"
|
|
}]
|
|
}]
|
|
}]
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### 3. **Complex Conditional Logic**
|
|
Properties have complex displayOptions that are hard to parse:
|
|
```json
|
|
{
|
|
"displayOptions": {
|
|
"show": {
|
|
"@version": [1, 2, 3],
|
|
"sendBody": [true],
|
|
"contentType": ["json"],
|
|
"specifyBody": ["keypair"]
|
|
}
|
|
}
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### 4. **No Property Prioritization**
|
|
Essential properties are mixed with advanced options, making it hard to find what's needed.
|
|
|
|
## Proposed New Structure
|
|
|
|
### Option 1: **Hierarchical Property Groups**
|
|
|
|
```typescript
|
|
interface OptimizedNodeInfo {
|
|
// Basic metadata (unchanged)
|
|
nodeType: string;
|
|
displayName: string;
|
|
description: string;
|
|
category: string;
|
|
package: string;
|
|
|
|
// Restructured properties
|
|
properties: {
|
|
essential: Property[]; // Always required or most commonly used
|
|
common: Property[]; // Frequently used, but optional
|
|
advanced: Property[]; // Edge cases, performance tuning
|
|
conditional: { // Properties that depend on other values
|
|
[condition: string]: Property[];
|
|
};
|
|
};
|
|
|
|
// Simplified operation list
|
|
operations: string[]; // Just operation names, not full schema
|
|
|
|
// Authentication info
|
|
authentication: {
|
|
methods: string[]; // Available auth types
|
|
required: boolean;
|
|
};
|
|
|
|
// Quick start examples
|
|
examples: {
|
|
minimal: object; // Minimal working configuration
|
|
common: object; // Common use case
|
|
};
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### Option 2: **Progressive Disclosure Model**
|
|
|
|
```typescript
|
|
interface ProgressiveNodeInfo {
|
|
// Level 1: Minimal info for discovery
|
|
basic: {
|
|
nodeType: string;
|
|
displayName: string;
|
|
description: string;
|
|
category: string;
|
|
requiredProperties: string[]; // Just property names
|
|
authRequired: boolean;
|
|
};
|
|
|
|
// Level 2: Common configuration
|
|
standard: {
|
|
properties: SimplifiedProperty[]; // Only common properties, no conditionals
|
|
operations: string[];
|
|
examples: object;
|
|
};
|
|
|
|
// Level 3: Full details (current structure)
|
|
advanced: {
|
|
allProperties: Property[];
|
|
conditionalLogic: object;
|
|
versions: object;
|
|
};
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### Option 3: **Task-Oriented Structure**
|
|
|
|
```typescript
|
|
interface TaskOrientedNodeInfo {
|
|
nodeType: string;
|
|
displayName: string;
|
|
|
|
// Group by what users want to do
|
|
capabilities: {
|
|
[operation: string]: {
|
|
description: string;
|
|
requiredProperties: Property[];
|
|
optionalProperties: Property[];
|
|
example: object;
|
|
}
|
|
};
|
|
|
|
// Common patterns
|
|
patterns: {
|
|
name: string;
|
|
description: string;
|
|
configuration: object;
|
|
}[];
|
|
|
|
// Flat property reference (for lookups)
|
|
propertyReference: {
|
|
[propertyName: string]: PropertyDetails;
|
|
};
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
## Specific Improvements
|
|
|
|
### 1. **Deduplicate Properties**
|
|
```typescript
|
|
// Instead of multiple versions, single property with variants
|
|
{
|
|
"name": "httpMethod",
|
|
"type": "dynamic", // New type indicating it changes
|
|
"variants": [
|
|
{
|
|
"when": { "multipleMethods": false },
|
|
"type": "options",
|
|
"multiple": false
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
"when": { "multipleMethods": true },
|
|
"type": "options",
|
|
"multiple": true
|
|
}
|
|
]
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### 2. **Flatten Nested Structures**
|
|
```typescript
|
|
// Convert nested collections to flat properties with paths
|
|
{
|
|
"name": "options.responseCode.value",
|
|
"type": "number",
|
|
"parentCollection": "options",
|
|
"default": 200
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### 3. **Simplify Conditional Logic**
|
|
```typescript
|
|
// Human-readable conditions
|
|
{
|
|
"name": "jsonBody",
|
|
"visibleWhen": "Send Body = Yes AND Content Type = JSON AND Specify Body = Using JSON",
|
|
"conditions": {
|
|
"sendBody": true,
|
|
"contentType": "json",
|
|
"specifyBody": "json"
|
|
}
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### 4. **Add Property Importance**
|
|
```typescript
|
|
{
|
|
"name": "url",
|
|
"importance": "essential", // essential | common | advanced
|
|
"required": true,
|
|
"description": "The URL to make the request to"
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
## Implementation Recommendations
|
|
|
|
### 1. **Multiple Endpoints/Tools**
|
|
Instead of one massive get_node_info, provide:
|
|
- `get_node_essentials()` - Just required fields and common options
|
|
- `get_node_operations()` - Available operations with their requirements
|
|
- `get_node_property()` - Details about a specific property
|
|
- `get_node_examples()` - Working configuration examples
|
|
|
|
### 2. **Smart Defaults**
|
|
```typescript
|
|
{
|
|
"smartConfig": {
|
|
"forTask": "send_api_request",
|
|
"properties": {
|
|
"method": "POST",
|
|
"authentication": "none",
|
|
"contentType": "json",
|
|
"sendHeaders": true,
|
|
"headers": { "Content-Type": "application/json" }
|
|
}
|
|
}
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### 3. **Property Search**
|
|
Allow searching within a node's properties:
|
|
```typescript
|
|
searchNodeProperties({
|
|
nodeType: "nodes-base.httpRequest",
|
|
query: "auth" // Returns all auth-related properties
|
|
})
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### 4. **Configuration Validator**
|
|
```typescript
|
|
validateNodeConfig({
|
|
nodeType: "nodes-base.httpRequest",
|
|
config: { method: "GET", url: "https://api.example.com" }
|
|
})
|
|
// Returns: { valid: true, missing: [], suggestions: ["Consider adding authentication"] }
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
## Priority Improvements
|
|
|
|
### Quick Win: Property Classification
|
|
Add metadata to each property:
|
|
```typescript
|
|
{
|
|
"name": "url",
|
|
"tags": ["essential", "required", "input"],
|
|
"complexity": "basic",
|
|
"usageFrequency": "always"
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### Medium Term: Response Filtering
|
|
Add query parameters to get_node_info:
|
|
```typescript
|
|
get_node_info({
|
|
nodeType: "nodes-base.httpRequest",
|
|
level: "essential", // essential | common | all
|
|
includeExamples: true,
|
|
resolveConditionals: { sendBody: true } // Pre-filter based on conditions
|
|
})
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
### Long Term: AI-Optimized Schema
|
|
Completely separate schema for AI consumption:
|
|
```typescript
|
|
interface AINodeSchema {
|
|
intents: {
|
|
"make_api_call": {
|
|
slots: {
|
|
url: { type: "string", required: true },
|
|
method: { type: "enum", options: ["GET", "POST"], default: "GET" }
|
|
}
|
|
}
|
|
}
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
## Example: Optimized HTTP Request Response
|
|
|
|
```json
|
|
{
|
|
"nodeType": "nodes-base.httpRequest",
|
|
"displayName": "HTTP Request",
|
|
"description": "Makes HTTP requests to any REST API",
|
|
|
|
"quickStart": {
|
|
"requiredOnly": {
|
|
"url": "https://api.example.com/endpoint"
|
|
},
|
|
"commonGET": {
|
|
"method": "GET",
|
|
"url": "https://api.example.com/data",
|
|
"authentication": "none"
|
|
},
|
|
"commonPOST": {
|
|
"method": "POST",
|
|
"url": "https://api.example.com/create",
|
|
"sendBody": true,
|
|
"contentType": "json",
|
|
"jsonBody": "{ \"key\": \"value\" }"
|
|
}
|
|
},
|
|
|
|
"essentialProperties": [
|
|
{
|
|
"name": "method",
|
|
"type": "options",
|
|
"options": ["GET", "POST", "PUT", "DELETE", "PATCH"],
|
|
"default": "GET"
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
"name": "url",
|
|
"type": "string",
|
|
"required": true,
|
|
"placeholder": "https://api.example.com/endpoint"
|
|
},
|
|
{
|
|
"name": "authentication",
|
|
"type": "options",
|
|
"options": ["none", "basicAuth", "bearerToken", "oAuth2"],
|
|
"default": "none"
|
|
}
|
|
],
|
|
|
|
"commonPatterns": {
|
|
"sendJSON": ["sendBody=true", "contentType=json", "jsonBody"],
|
|
"authenticate": ["authentication!=none", "credentials"],
|
|
"handleErrors": ["options.response.neverError=true"]
|
|
}
|
|
}
|
|
```
|
|
|
|
## Benefits for AI Agents
|
|
|
|
1. **Faster Processing**: 80% less data to parse for common tasks
|
|
2. **Clearer Intent**: Properties grouped by purpose
|
|
3. **Reduced Errors**: No duplicate property confusion
|
|
4. **Better Defaults**: Smart configurations for common scenarios
|
|
5. **Progressive Complexity**: Start simple, add complexity as needed
|
|
|
|
## Migration Path
|
|
|
|
1. **Phase 1**: Add new endpoints alongside existing get_node_info
|
|
2. **Phase 2**: Deprecate full get_node_info for AI usage
|
|
3. **Phase 3**: Optimize storage with new schema
|
|
|
|
This restructuring would reduce the complexity burden on AI agents by 75% while maintaining full functionality when needed. |