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> Getting Started
Q: Do I need to know how to code?
Not at all. Caffeine handles all the code — both the frontend (what users see) and the backend (where data is stored). You write prompts in plain English and Caffeine builds the app for you. Understanding a few ICP concepts (like what a canister is) helps you prompt better, but zero coding is required to ship.
Q: What is the Internet Computer?
The Internet Computer (ICP) is a public blockchain that can host full applications — not just tokens or NFTs, but real web apps with databases, user accounts, and business logic. It's built by the DFINITY Foundation. Apps on ICP run on node machines distributed globally, with no cloud provider in the middle.
Q: What's the difference between a draft and a live app?
A draft is a preview version that only you can see — it expires after about 2 hours of inactivity. A live app is permanently deployed on ICP and accessible to anyone at a stable URL. Always use "Go Live" before sharing with users.
> Building with Caffeine
Q: How many prompts does it take to build an app?
It varies. A simple landing page or portfolio can be done in 1–3 prompts. A full app with user accounts, data storage, and multiple pages typically takes 5–15 prompts across multiple sessions. The Low-Prompt Method in Section 1 teaches you how to get more done with fewer prompts.
Q: What happens when Caffeine blocks my message?
Caffeine has a content safety filter that occasionally flags certain phrasings — even innocent ones. If it happens, rephrase your prompt more simply (less technical jargon, shorter sentence). Blocked messages never cost credits.
Q: Can I build apps that require user login?
Yes. Caffeine supports Internet Identity — ICP's built-in passwordless login using passkeys (Face ID, Touch ID, hardware keys). You can also define user roles (Admin, User, Guest) in your prompts and Caffeine will build the access control logic for you.
Q: Can my app call external APIs?
Yes, via HTTP Outcalls — a feature of ICP that lets canisters make outbound HTTPS requests. You can call weather APIs, AI services, payment gateways, and more. Just describe what you need in your prompt.
> Credits and Pricing
Q: How much does it cost to build an app?
Caffeine uses a credit system. You get 5 free credits per day on every plan. Paid plans start at $15.99/month (Starter, 40 credits). One build session costs roughly 1–3 credits depending on complexity. The Pro plan ($99.99/month) includes 400 credits plus daily bonuses for serious builders.
Q: Do I pay for hosting separately?
No. Hosting on the Internet Computer is included in your Caffeine plan while your subscription is active. There are no separate server bills.
Q: Can I make money from my app?
Yes. You can publish your app to the Caffeine App Market for others to use as a template. Caffeine is also working on monetization features for app creators. Additionally, you can connect a custom domain and charge users directly if you build a subscription or payment feature into your app.
> ICP & Motoko
Q: What is Motoko?
Motoko is the native programming language of the Internet Computer, designed by DFINITY. Caffeine writes Motoko for you automatically. You don't need to learn it, but understanding it helps you prompt more precisely — which is why the Under the Hood section exists.
Q: Is my data safe if Caffeine shuts down?
Yes. Your app and all its data live on the Internet Computer network — not on Caffeine's servers. Even if Caffeine stopped existing, your canister would keep running on ICP. You also own the code and can export it to GitHub at any time.
Q: What is a DAO and why does it matter for my app?
A DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) is a governance system run by code and community voting, with no company in charge. ICP apps can launch their own DAOs via the SNS framework, meaning your users can collectively own and govern the app itself. This is how OpenChat works.