First, The Big Picture

Think of these like different tools in a toolbox:

• n8n = Your automation handyman (connects apps, moves data, no brain)
• MCP = Your shared notebook for agents (memory between steps)
• A2A = Your walkie-talkie for agents (lets them talk to each other)
• AI Agents = Your smart assistants (can plan, decide, act)
• Agentic RAG = Your super librarian with a brain (finds info + thinks about it)

1. n8n, The Automation Handyman

• What it is: A visual tool where you connect boxes (“nodes”) to make workflows.
• Purpose: Automates stuff between apps and APIs , like Zapier, but open-source and more flexible.
• Brains? ❌ Nope. It just follows the instructions you give.

When to Use:

• “If someone uploads a file → Save it to Google Drive → Send me a Slack message.”
• “If a new lead is in Google Sheets → Text them via Twilio.”

When NOT to Use:

• When you need deep thinking, memory, or planning.

What it’s Great At: