Where it fits
Heroku provides a managed runtime for applications, backed by data services and add-ons. Teams work with application processes and dynos rather than maintaining the underlying server. The platform now has Cedar and Fir generations, whose capabilities and migration paths differ.
How pricing works
Dyno capacity, managed databases and add-ons are separate charges. The chosen platform generation and plan affect availability and resource choices. Treat third-party add-ons as part of the application bill, including their own limits and support.
Choosing a setup
Heroku is useful when its deployment conventions and ecosystem fit an existing application. Fir’s newer cloud-native foundation is not a reason to assume an older Cedar app migrates without changes. Render and Railway are practical alternative platform profiles.
