Skip to main content

Compare SQL datasets

Workflow preview

Workflow preview
100%
Compare SQL datasets preview
Open on n8n.io

Important notice

This workflow is provided as-is. Please review and test before using in production.

1. Workflow Overview

This workflow compares 2 datasets from a single database. Two SQL nodes create a slightly different summary report based on the payments table. Both reports have the same structure, but different t...

Best for

  • Engineering automation workflows
  • intermediate n8n builders looking for reusable templates

Tools used

n8n-nodes-base.manualtrigger, n8n-nodes-base.comparedatasets, n8n-nodes-base.mysql, n8n-nodes-base.set

Source and attribution

This workflow is cataloged by N8N Workflows and links back to its original n8n.io source page by n8n Team.

Original n8n.io source

1.1 Workflow description

Title
Compare SQL datasets
Workflow name
Compare SQL datasets

This workflow compares 2 datasets from a single database.

Two SQL nodes create a slightly different summary report based on the payments table.

Both reports have the same structure, but different time periods. In addition to that, output from the "Orders from 2004 and 2005" node has an extra manipulation on the ordercount variable.

This makes Compare Datasets node to produce four outputs: data in A Only Branch, in B Only Branch, Same Branch records and Different Branch records.

Please refere to the MySQL Tutorial website and download the example database: https://www.mysqltutorial.org/mysql-sample-database.aspx

1.2 Logical Blocks

This catalog entry is organized from the workflow JSON. The node-level section below shows the executable blocks available for review before importing the template.

2. Block-by-Block Analysis

Block 1 - When clicking "Execute Workflow"

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.manualTrigger - manualTrigger
Config choices
Version 1

Block 2 - Compare Datasets

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.compareDatasets - compareDatasets
Config choices
Version 2.3

Block 3 - Orders from 2003 and 2004

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.mySql - mySql
Config choices
Version 2.1

Block 4 - Orders from 2004 and 2005

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.mySql - mySql
Config choices
Version 2.1

Block 5 - Change ordercount

Type / Role
n8n-nodes-base.set - set
Config choices
Version 2

3. Summary Table

Workflow Compare SQL datasets
Complexity intermediate
Nodes 5
Categories Engineering
Author n8n Team
Published 11 Sept 2023

4. Reproducing the Workflow from Scratch

  1. 1. Download the workflow JSON

    Use the JSON export at /data/workflows/1944/1944.json as the source template for this automation.

  2. 2. Import the template into n8n

    Open n8n, import the downloaded JSON, and review each node before activating the workflow.

  3. 3. Configure credentials and variables

    Replace placeholder credentials, API keys, webhook URLs, account IDs, and environment-specific values with your own settings.

  4. 4. Test with sample data

    Run the workflow manually or in a staging workspace, inspect node output, and confirm downstream systems receive the expected data.

  5. 5. Activate and monitor

    Enable the workflow only after testing, then monitor executions, errors, and rate limits during the first production runs.

5. General Notes & Resources

Review imported nodes carefully before activation. This catalog entry is intended to help you inspect the workflow structure, understand required services, and find related templates faster.

Node names, credentials, schedules, webhook paths, and external service limits may need adjustment for your workspace.

Frequently asked questions

What does Compare SQL datasets do?

This workflow compares 2 datasets from a single database. Two SQL nodes create a slightly different summary report based on the payments table. Both reports have the same structure, but different t...

What do I need before importing this workflow?

Review the workflow JSON, configure any required credentials in n8n, and test the automation in a safe workspace before using it in production.

Can I customize this workflow?

Yes. Use the block-by-block analysis and the downloadable JSON to inspect each node, then adjust credentials, prompts, schedules, filters, or destinations for your Engineering use case.