The idea is:
Enable || (short-circuit logic) in expressions so that only the first valid, executed node is evaluated. Right now, using expressions like:
{{$node[“OpenAI”].json[“message”][“content”] || $node[“OpenAI1”].json[“message”][“content”]}}
fails when one of the referenced nodes wasn’t executed, even if the other one is perfectly valid.
My use case:
In conditional workflows, only one node is executed. We want the output node to reference whichever node ran, using fallback logic (||). This avoids duplicating downstream nodes like separate output responses.
I think it would be beneficial to add this because:
- Simplifies complex branching flows
- Prevents error-prone workarounds
- Reduces node duplication
- Aligns with standard JavaScript logic expectations
- Boosts productivity for developers and non-developers alike
Any resources to support this?
No official docs needed—this aligns with how logical operators work in almost every language and template engine. It would be a natural enhancement to n8n’s expression engine.
Are you willing to work on this?
I’d love to support testing or feedback, but I’m not equipped to develop it directly.