Dify

Dify is a visual platform for building AI apps on one canvas. You can create chatbots, AI agents, and document-search pipelines called RAG. RAG stands for retrieval-augmented generation — the AI searches your documents before answering. It works with over 100 language models, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Mistral, Llama, and DeepSeek. It is open source: the Community Edition self-hosts free with Docker, and the cloud offers a free Sandbox tier. Over 1 million apps have been deployed. See dify.ai for current details.

Key Features

1. Visual AI app canvas

Build chatbots, agents, and workflows on one drag-and-drop canvas. Steps connect visually. You test and publish from the same screen.

2. 100+ language models

Dify connects to over 100 models, including OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Mistral, Llama, and DeepSeek. Switch models per app or step to avoid lock-in.

3. RAG pipelines

RAG pipelines let the AI search your documents before answering. Upload files, and Dify builds the search index. Answers stay grounded in your content.

4. AI agents

Build agents that plan and use tools to finish tasks. They can call APIs, search the web, and follow multi-step plans.

5. Open-source self-hosting

The Community Edition is open source and self-hosts with Docker. You keep your data and models in-house; a free Sandbox tier covers trials.

6. Enterprise traction

Over 1 million apps have been deployed on Dify. Reference customers include Volvo and Ricoh. It is used by teams far beyond hobby projects.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How is Dify different from LangChain?

LangChain is a code library for developers. Dify is a visual platform covering similar tasks — chatbots, agents, RAG — with a no-code canvas.

Can I use my own models?

Yes. Dify works with over 100 models, including open models like Llama and DeepSeek. You can self-host and connect the models you choose.

What is RAG in plain words?

RAG means the AI searches your documents before it answers. Instead of guessing, it reads your files and bases its reply on what it finds.

What do I need to self-host Dify?

You need a server that runs Docker, since the Community Edition ships as Docker containers. Basic server skills are enough to get it running.

Is Dify really open source?

Yes — the Community Edition is open source and free to self-host. The cloud's free Sandbox tier exists; paid plans start at $59 a month.

Conclusion

Dify suits teams building AI chatbots, agents, and document-search apps without heavy coding. Its canvas covers 100+ models, RAG pipelines, and multi-step agents. Self-host the Community Edition for free, or try the cloud Sandbox tier. Born in 2023, it already powers over 1 million deployed apps. Paid cloud plans start at $59 a month.