> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs-builder.nativelyai.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What is an AI software factory?

> native.builder is an AI software factory — a model-agnostic execution stack where specialized agents build, ship, and iterate owned AI-native apps.

**native.builder** is an **AI software factory** — a production line where specialized agents plan, build, and ship real applications. You describe what you need; the factory runs the work. You own the output.

This page explains how Builder fits the **AI software factory** category, who it's for, and how it differs from vibe-coding tools or model-locked platforms.

## What is an AI software factory?

An **AI software factory** is not a chatbot and not a single-purpose app generator. It is an **applied AI execution layer** that turns product intent into owned software through a repeatable pipeline:

1. **Scope** — Product Architect defines features, architecture, and constraints
2. **Build** — The Builder agent writes production React code
3. **Operate** — Task Planner tracks work; Feedback captures product signal
4. **Ship** — Publish to a live URL on your domain

Traditional dev stacks scatter design, code, and deploy across tools. An **AI-native software factory** keeps the full run inside one **workspace** — your factory floor for team, billing, and projects.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Getting started" icon="rocket" href="/introduction/getting-started">
    Run your first factory job from idea to live URL.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Welcome" icon="sparkles" href="/introduction/welcome">
    Meet the agents on your production line.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Core category: factory vs. builder vs. stack

| Term                             | What it means for Builder                                                                   |
| -------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **AI software factory**          | The full system — agents, workspace, credits, and publish pipeline                          |
| **Enterprise AI factory**        | Team workspaces, roles, staged deploys, and Business or Enterprise plans                    |
| **AI app factory**               | One project = one product run through the line, from brief to URL                           |
| **AI execution stack**           | Planning, code generation, preview, version history, and deployment in one place            |
| **AI workflow software factory** | Agents hand off work in sequence — scope, build, plan, feedback — not one monolithic prompt |

Builder is an **AI workflow software factory**: each agent is a specialist, and you direct the line from chat.

## AI app builder for teams and enterprises

Builder is an **AI app builder** built for teams that need more than a solo vibe-coding session:

* **AI-native app builder** — React apps generated in a live preview, not static mockups
* **Enterprise AI app builder** — Shared workspaces, member roles, and a single credit pool
* **Model-agnostic AI app builder** — Switch models in the picker; your project and code stay on Builder
* **Governed AI app builder** — Product Architect scopes before credits go to code; version history on paid plans

For internal tools, dashboards, and client deliverables, Builder is an **AI software builder for agencies** and product teams who need speed without giving up ownership.

<Note>
  Looking for a **vibe coding alternative for teams**? Builder gives every teammate a shared factory floor — projects, roles, credits, and publish — instead of isolated solo sessions.
</Note>

See [Workspaces](/features/workspaces) for team setup and [Plans and credits](/introduction/plans-and-credits) for enterprise options.

## Enterprise AI workflow automation

Teams use Builder as an **internal AI software factory** for **custom AI business software** and **AI tools for internal operations**:

* **Enterprise AI workflow automation** — Brief agents, review previews, iterate in chat, ship to production
* **AI workflow builder for enterprise** — Product Architect → Builder agent → Task Planner → Feedback
* **Owned AI-native software** — Real code you can inspect; publish on `*.nativelyai.app` or [your own domain](/features/custom-domain)

Business and Scale plans add staged deploys, more members, and priority support. [Contact sales](mailto:sales@nativelyai.app) for SSO, SLAs, and dedicated infrastructure.

## Agencies, consultants, and innovation sprints

Consulting firms and agencies use Builder as an **AI delivery platform for agencies**:

* **AI app builder for consulting firms** — Prototype and ship client apps from one workspace
* **AI software factory for consultants** — Repeatable delivery without rebuilding your stack per engagement
* **AI prototyping platform for client delivery** — Live previews for stakeholder review before publish
* **AI innovation sprint platform** — Run **AI hackathon**-style sprints to scout ideas and ship MVPs fast

Pair [Prompting best practices](/features/prompting) with a clear brief so client work stays on budget.

## Model-agnostic platform and execution

Builder runs as a **model-agnostic AI platform**. You choose models in chat; the factory handles the rest:

* **AI inference gateway** — Agent work routes through Builder's execution layer, not your laptop
* **AI model routing platform** — Standard and premium models with per-plan access
* **AI workload execution** — Credits pay for agent output; publishing does not consume credits
* **Builder compute inference stack** — Build, preview, and [publish](/features/publish) without wiring your own infra

This is an **applied AI execution layer**: you focus on the product; Builder runs the pipeline.

## Avoid AI vendor lock-in

A common risk with AI app tools is **model lock-in** — your workflows only work with one provider. Builder is designed so you **build AI apps without vendor lock-in**:

* **Model-agnostic AI workflows** — Change models without migrating projects
* **Build AI apps without model lock-in** — Your codebase and deployments stay in your workspace
* **Owned AI software** — Inspect generated source; connect [custom domains](/features/custom-domain) on paid plans
* **AI platform independent of one model provider** — Builder is the factory; models are fuel you can swap

<Warning>
  Builder is not a replacement for every backend or mobile stack today. It excels at Vite + React web apps. See the [FAQ](/introduction/faq) for current scope.
</Warning>

## Who Builder is for

| Audience                       | Typical use                                   |
| ------------------------------ | --------------------------------------------- |
| **Founders and product teams** | Ship an MVP without a full dev hire           |
| **Enterprises**                | Internal tools and governed team workflows    |
| **Agencies and consultants**   | Client prototypes and delivery sprints        |
| **Developers**                 | Faster iteration with inspectable, owned code |

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="FAQ" icon="circle-help" href="/introduction/faq">
    AI factory basics, lock-in, enterprise, and agencies.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Plans and credits" icon="coins" href="/introduction/plans-and-credits">
    Compare plans from Free to Enterprise.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>