# FAQ (/docs/compute/faq)

> For the complete Prisma documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.prisma.io/docs/llms.txt). A markdown version of any docs page is available by appending `.md` to its URL.

Quick answers to common questions about Prisma Compute.

Location: Compute > FAQ

## Which package do I install? [#which-package-do-i-install]

Compute is part of the unified Prisma CLI, published as `prisma@latest`. The quickest way to run it without installing anything is:

  

#### bun

```bash
bunx prisma@latest service show
```

#### pnpm

```bash
pnpm dlx prisma@latest service show
```

#### yarn

```bash
yarn dlx prisma@latest service show
```

#### npm

```bash
npx prisma@latest service show
```

## How do I deploy? [#how-do-i-deploy]

Deployments come from a git push, the [Console](https://pris.ly/pdp), or the [`deploy` command](https://www.prisma.io/docs/cli/deploy) for a [Prisma Composer](https://www.prisma.io/docs/composer) app. [Connect a GitHub repository](https://www.prisma.io/docs/compute/github) and push, or declare the app with Composer and run `npx prisma@latest deploy module.ts` for CLI-driven deploys.

## What's the difference between a project and an app? [#whats-the-difference-between-a-project-and-an-app]

A project groups the resources for one product or codebase. An app is a single HTTP service inside a project's branch. The full hierarchy:

<ConceptAnimation name="compute-model" />

## What's a branch? [#whats-a-branch]

A branch is an isolated environment for one line of work. It usually matches a Git branch name, but in Prisma it is a real resource that owns its own apps and databases. To learn more, see the [Branching docs](https://www.prisma.io/docs/compute/branching).

## Does git connect deploy my app? [#does-git-connect-deploy-my-app]

No, it links a project to a GitHub repository and turns on automation for future branch and push events. It does not deploy anything by itself. Push a commit to trigger the first build. To set the connection up, see the [GitHub integration docs](https://www.prisma.io/docs/compute/github).

## What does a GitHub push do? [#what-does-a-github-push-do]

When a project is connected to GitHub, each push creates or resolves the matching branch and builds the pushed commit.

## Why can't I read my environment variable values back? [#why-cant-i-read-my-environment-variable-values-back]

In beta, variable values are encrypted and never returned by any surface. `project env list` shows only the keys and their metadata, so keep your own copy of each value in a secret manager. To learn more, see [Values are write-only](https://www.prisma.io/docs/compute/environment-variables#values-are-write-only).

## How do I rotate a secret? [#how-do-i-rotate-a-secret]

Update the value, then redeploy production. To redeploy, push to your default branch, or promote a version, which rebuilds with production environment variables:

  

#### bun

```bash
bunx prisma@latest project env update DATABASE_URL=postgresql://new --role production
```

#### pnpm

```bash
pnpm dlx prisma@latest project env update DATABASE_URL=postgresql://new --role production
```

#### yarn

```bash
yarn dlx prisma@latest project env update DATABASE_URL=postgresql://new --role production
```

#### npm

```bash
npx prisma@latest project env update DATABASE_URL=postgresql://new --role production
```

## Does changing a variable redeploy my app? [#does-changing-a-variable-redeploy-my-app]

No. Variables resolve at deploy time, so you need to redeploy for the app to pick up a new value.

## How do I run the CLI from CI? [#how-do-i-run-the-cli-from-ci]

Use a service token and explicit targets:

```bash
PRISMA_SERVICE_TOKEN=... npx prisma@latest service show \
  --project my-app \
  --service web \
  --json \
  --no-interactive
```

Passing every target explicitly keeps the run self-contained. `--json` makes the result parseable, and `--no-interactive` turns any prompt into a structured error.

## Why SERVICE.PROJECT_SETUP_REQUIRED? [#why-serviceproject_setup_required]

The current directory isn't linked to a project, and the CLI won't guess one from package or directory names. Create or link a project first with `project create` or `project link`, or name one directly on the command with `--project`.

## How do I add a custom domain? [#how-do-i-add-a-custom-domain]

Once the service has a running production version:

  

#### bun

```bash
bunx prisma@latest service domain add shop.acme.com --service web
bunx prisma@latest service domain wait shop.acme.com --service web
```

#### pnpm

```bash
pnpm dlx prisma@latest service domain add shop.acme.com --service web
pnpm dlx prisma@latest service domain wait shop.acme.com --service web
```

#### yarn

```bash
yarn dlx prisma@latest service domain add shop.acme.com --service web
yarn dlx prisma@latest service domain wait shop.acme.com --service web
```

#### npm

```bash
npx prisma@latest service domain add shop.acme.com --service web
npx prisma@latest service domain wait shop.acme.com --service web
```

Add the CNAME record the command returns at your DNS provider. To learn more, see the [Domains docs](https://www.prisma.io/docs/compute/domains).

## Can preview branches have custom domains? [#can-preview-branches-have-custom-domains]

No. In beta, custom domains are production-only, so they cannot be attached to preview branches.

## Does Prisma clone my production database for previews? [#does-prisma-clone-my-production-database-for-previews]

You should not assume it does. These docs cover app deployment and runtime configuration only, so pass database URLs through [environment variables](https://www.prisma.io/docs/compute/environment-variables) and manage data and migrations yourself.

## Do I need Prisma Postgres to use Compute? [#do-i-need-prisma-postgres-to-use-compute]

No. Your app connects to a database through a connection string you set as an environment variable, such as `DATABASE_URL`. Compute and [Prisma Postgres](https://www.prisma.io/docs/postgres) are designed to work well together, and running both keeps your app next to your database.

## Can I use the Console instead? [#can-i-use-the-console-instead]

Yes. Use it to inspect projects, branches, services, deployments, integrations, environment variable names, and domain status.

## Is Prisma Compute free? [#is-prisma-compute-free]

You can run apps for free: each month, the Free plan includes 1M requests, 360 GB-hours of provisioned memory, 4 active vCPU-hours, and 10 GB of outbound bandwidth, with no usage billing. Paid plans include from 5M to 100M requests a month, then bill `$1 per million`; provisioned memory, active CPU, and outbound bandwidth are billed per use. See [Pricing](https://pris.ly/pricing-compute) for the rates, included usage by plan, worked examples, and what is not billed separately. For how those rates compare to Vercel's for the same workload, see [Prisma Compute vs Vercel pricing](https://www.prisma.io/blog/prisma-compute-vs-vercel-pricing?utm_source=docs).

## What does Public Beta mean for Compute? [#what-does-public-beta-mean-for-compute]

The core model and documented happy paths are stable enough for evaluation, staging, internal tools, and low-risk apps. Details like limits, pricing, and some CLI, API, and Console behavior can still change before general availability. See [Public Beta](https://www.prisma.io/docs/console/more/feature-maturity#public-beta) on the feature maturity page.

## What are the current limits? [#what-are-the-current-limits]

See [Known limitations](https://www.prisma.io/docs/compute/limitations) for what the beta can and can't do.

## Related pages

- [`Alchemy`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/compute/alchemy): Provision Prisma Postgres and deploy applications to Prisma Compute in one TypeScript stack.
- [`Branching`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/compute/branching): Branches are isolated environments that map to your Git branches, so preview work never touches production.
- [`Deploy Button`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/compute/deploy-button): Add a Deploy with Prisma button that copies a public Composer repository and starts a Composer-managed deployment.
- [`Deploy on push`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/compute/deploy-on-push): Graduate a Composer app from manual deploys to a Git workflow, with production deploys on push and an isolated preview environment per branch.
- [`Deployments`](https://www.prisma.io/docs/compute/deployments): How deploys create service versions on Prisma Compute, and how to inspect, promote, roll back, start, and stop them.