When does a workflow fit better than a conversation?
Use a workflow when someone supplies inputs and wants a result from one run. A Chatflow is for an ongoing conversation. Decide what facts and fields you expect before using a model.
Dify’s logs distinguish workflow runs from conversation records. They can contain actual inputs and outputs. Use fictional inputs for practice and review who can see production records.
What are you paying for on Cloud or on your own host?
Dify Cloud’s Sandbox lists 200 message credits for trying eligible models. Model credit use varies. If you use a separate model account, check its charges. For a self-managed copy, you supply infrastructure and maintain the service.
Dify’s source license adds terms to Apache 2.0, including conditions on multi-workspace hosting and use of its frontend branding. Check the license if you plan to host a separate workspace for each customer.
What needs to be rebuilt after you import a copy?
A current app package carries the app definition. Linked knowledge bases, model credentials and run logs are separate. Leave secret values out, since including them can write them into the package as plain text.
For a test, import into a new isolated app. Dify documents that importing into an existing app can change live web appearance settings immediately, even when the revised workflow is still a draft.
How can you tell whether a repeat should change anything?
On paper, draw a fictional workshop summary workflow. Use no account, app, customer records or model service.
- Draw a normal runGive one made-up request a reference and write the draft fields you expect.
- Draw the same request againShow a second preview. If the team later saves a result, write where the same reference should prevent a second write.
- Plan a check for a bad draftCircle an omitted class title and name the step you would inspect. No workflow or model was run.