The root node is the main node in an n8n cluster node that defines its core functionality. Sub-nodes attach to it to extend its capabilities.
[Example]
An AI Agent node can be the root node. It provides the main functionality for using AI to accomplish a task.
You can then connect sub-nodes such as a Chat Model, Memory, and Tools to the AI Agent. These sub-nodes provide additional capabilities the agent needs.
So the structure looks like this:
- AI Agent = root node.
- Chat Model, Memory, and Tools = sub-nodes.
The easiest way to remember it: the root node is the main part of the cluster node, while sub-nodes provide additional capabilities.