Items (n8n)
In n8n, items are the individual data objects flowing between nodes; most nodes run once per item, processing them as a list.
Analogy
Like rows on a conveyor belt, each handled by every station in turn.
Why it matters
Understanding items explains how n8n loops over data and why nodes execute multiple times per run.
In practice
A node receiving 20 items runs its operation 20 times, once per item.