Hello!

So I see this question pop up frequently, so I thought I’d try to give y’all the most simple yet in-depth definition that I could.

EDIT: I realized after I posted this that I uploaded my not as pretty version 🤦‍♀️ I need a nap.

API (Application Programming Interface): A tool that allows different software systems to communicate. In this context, it lets JanitorAI talk to external AI services to send prompts and receive responses.

Model: The AI program that generates responses. Models vary by company (e.g., OpenAI, Claude, JLLM) and are designed for different tasks or styles of interaction.

JanitorAI includes built-in support for OpenAI, JLLM, and Claude, but many other companies also offer AI models through APIs.

Proxy: Used to connect to external AI providers not included in JanitorAI’s default options. A proxy acts as a bridge, letting you route your requests to services like Deepseek, Pawan, and others via their APIs.

Thank you to Kenzie and Judas for looking over my graphic for me. If you guys have any questions or would maybe like another graphic on how to actually set up proxy, let me know and I’ll be happy to do so.

-Dhorrl 🧡