In this conversation, Alfred Nutile interviews Roberto Gongora as he reflects on a recent project using N8N instead of Laravel. They discuss the transition to N8N, its features, challenges, and the learning curve involved. The conversation also touches on the integration of AI coding tools and the future of software development, emphasizing the shift towards no-code solutions and the evolving role of developers.
In this episode, I sit down with Roberto Gongora, a developer I've worked with since our Pfizer days, to explore how AI and no-code tools are reshaping our approach to development in 2024. We dive into a recent project where Roberto used n8N instead of traditional Laravel for building an API backend - a decision that not only saved time but made the entire system easier to maintain and debug.
What's fascinating is how Roberto's perspective on development is evolving. Rather than getting lost in complex code implementations, he's finding himself spending more time understanding business problems and letting AI handle the heavy lifting. We explore his experience with n8N's visual workflow system for API integration, how it simplified debugging compared to traditional logging systems, and why sometimes the "coder's instinct" to build everything from scratch might not be the best approach anymore.
As we look toward 2025, Roberto shares his prediction that while coding isn't going away, a developer's role is shifting more toward being an "orchestra conductor" - guiding AI tools and no-code solutions rather than writing every line of code by hand. It's a candid conversation about adapting to new tools while keeping focus on what really matters: delivering value to clients faster and more efficiently.
If you're a developer wondering how to stay relevant in an AI-powered future or just curious about practical ways to work smarter rather than harder, this episode offers real-world insights from the trenches of modern development.
00:00
Introduction to N8N and Project Retrospective
01:52
Transitioning from Laravel to N8N
06:01
Exploring N8N's Features and Challenges
12:00
Aha Moments and Insights from Using N8N
17:59
Comparing N8N with AI Coding Tools
26:03
Future of Development: Embracing AI and No-Code Solutions