Credits and usage limits

Many providers charge for app creation using credits or message quotas. The raw number of credits tells you little, however, since each provider calculates consumption differently.

• How many credits are included in the plan?
• How much does a typical request cost?
• Do unused credits expire?
• Can you buy additional credits?
• Are failed requests charged?

Credits during live operation

On some platforms credits are only required during creation. Others also charge for AI functions, database access, automations or server resources within the finished app.

• Page views and traffic
• Database and API requests
• AI functions within the app
• Email sending and automations
• Server and compute time

Code export

The code export determines how independent you remain from the provider. A complete export can enable a later hosting change or manual further development.

• Frontend and backend code
• Database schema and configuration
• Files, images and dependencies
• Environment variables
• Documentation for local installation

Ownership of the project

Check which rights you obtain to the generated code, design and produced content. For client projects, transfer of usage rights should also be possible.

• Commercial use permitted
• Code may be modified
• Resale and handover to clients possible
• Clear rules after cancellation
• Known timeframes for data deletion

Hosting and publishing

Integrated hosting makes publishing easier. However, check which resources are included and whether a later migration is possible.

• Hosting and SSL included in the plan
• Use your own domain
• Storage and traffic limits
• Available server locations
• Export and hosting migration possible

Data protection

During app creation, prompts, project information and possibly personal data are processed. For business projects, transparent data protection information is particularly important.

• Company headquarters and server location
• Data transfer outside the EU
• Data processing agreement (DPA)
• Subprocessors used
• Use of prompts for AI training
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Databases and backend

A database is required for user accounts, bookings or stored content. Compare not only features, but also limits, costs and export options.

• Supported database types
• Storage and record limits
• Backups and restoration
• Data export
• Location and cost of the database

User accounts and authentication

Customer portals, member areas and internal applications require secure authentication. A generated login interface alone does not guarantee a secure implementation.

• Registration and password login
• Email confirmation
• Password recovery
• User roles and access rights
• Two-factor authentication

Integrations and interfaces

Integrations connect your app with payment providers, email services, calendars, CRM systems and other external platforms.

• Payment processing
• Email and calendar services
• CRM and support systems
• Cloud storage and external databases
• Custom REST or GraphQL APIs

AI models used

Many platforms rely on external AI models. More powerful models can deliver better results, but may also consume more credits or be reserved for higher-tier plans.

• Transparency about the model used
• Model switching possible
• Impact on credit consumption
• Use of your own API keys
• Data protection at the model provider

Version control and restoration

AI-generated changes don't always produce the desired result. Therefore, previous project states should be recoverable.

• Automatic versioning
• Undo function
• Project history
• GitHub or GitLab integration
• Separate development and production environments

Support and documentation

Even with an AI app builder, technical issues can occur. For business projects, good support and clear documentation are important.

• Help centre and documentation
• Community forum
• Email or ticket support
• Live chat
• Guaranteed response times

Scalability

A small prototype places different demands than a public app with many users. Check early whether resources and limits can be expanded later.

• Traffic and user limits
• Scalable database
• Additional compute power
• Costs as usage grows
• Support for multiple environments

Contract duration and cancellation

Compare not only the entry price, but also renewals, notice periods and handling of apps and data after the contract ends.

• Monthly or annual billing
• Automatic contract renewal
• Cancellation and export periods
• Price after promotional periods
• Deletion of apps and data
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Define the project idea

Decide what problem the application should solve, who will use it and which core feature is required.

Set requirements

List the key pages and features, and divide them into essential and optional components.

Compare AI app builders

Compare credits, code export, hosting, databases, data protection, integrations and pricing.

Build the first prototype

Start with a simple version and describe the goal, target audience, core pages and desired style as concretely as possible.

Add features incrementally

Extend the project step by step and test each new feature before introducing further changes.

Test the application

Check layout, navigation, forms, user accounts, databases and interfaces across different devices.

Check data protection and security

Review the data processed, external services and required legal texts. Business-critical apps should also undergo a technical audit.

Connect a domain and publish

Connect a custom domain, enable HTTPS and check all content and functions before publishing.

Monitor costs

Keep an eye on credits, database usage, traffic, external services and ongoing AI costs.

Set up exports and backups

Regularly export code and data and use version control so that your project isn't stored solely in the provider account.