Before I started using n8n, most of my automations were Python or Bash scripts that ran through cron jobs. They got things done, although adding something new or figuring out why a script stopped working took more effort than I wanted. I only have a working knowledge of Python, and even when an AI tool helps me write the code, I still have to understand enough of it to maintain the automation. With n8n, I can follow the workflow on a canvas, check what each step does, and change the part I need.