Getting Started
Agent Modes: Prototype vs Production
Understand when to use Prototype mode and when to move to Production mode.
AgentQ supports two build modes so you can move fast early and then launch with confidence.
Feature Breakdown
| Area | Prototype | Production |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Validate idea quickly | Launch and operate safely at scale |
| Typical Build Time | <10 Minutes | 1 to 3 Hours |
| Database | NoSQL (Managed by QwikBuild) | Dedicated PostgreSQL instance with DB access |
| Logic & Roles | Simple (Admin and Non-Admins) | Unlimited Roles and Complex Permissions |
| Code Quality | Rapid Blueprint | Clean relational model, type-safety, and re-audited code |
| Scalability | Shared infrastructure | Serverless architecture, decoupled storage/compute, auto-scaling |
| Security & Audit | Basic protection | XSS protection, SQL injection prevention, DoS rate limiting, input validation, and deeper code audit |
| Authentication | Phone and OTP based, access control in QB Auth | Flexible custom RBAC inside your app, multiple login methods |
| Dev Support | Standard docs and guidance | Priority support and architecture consultation |
| Cost | $5 to $20 | $50 to $500 |
| Visibility | One-shot app generation | Detailed implementation plan, execution traces, direct code editability, change history |
Why this matters
Most teams need two different speeds: quick validation first, then production hardening. Choosing the right mode prevents rework and saves budget.
What you can do
- Use Prototype mode to validate workflows and UI quickly.
- Use Production mode for RBAC, security, scale, and launch-readiness.
- Upgrade from Prototype to Production when your requirements are validated.
Step-by-step guide
- Start in Prototype mode to test your core workflow.
- Validate user flow, data model, and business logic.
- Identify production needs: auth, access control, integrations, and auditing.
- Move to Production mode for architecture, security checks, and launch hardening.
- Launch and monitor with real usage data.
Example
If you are building a booking platform:
- Prototype mode helps you validate booking flow and status transitions quickly.
- Production mode adds stronger security, stable data handling, and go-live checks.
Tips
- Start Prototype with one measurable business outcome.
- Move to Production before handling payments or sensitive data.
- Use the same acceptance checklist in both modes so upgrades stay smooth.
Common issues
- Teams stay in Prototype too long and delay production hardening.
- Teams jump to Production too early without validating requirements first.
Related pages
How AgentQ Works
Turn your idea into a live application through a simple, guided workflow. You don’t need to figure everything out upfront — the system helps you shape, build, and refine your product step by step.
Your First Project
Go from your idea to live app by entering requirements, answering clarifications, approving the PRD, and generating your build.