# Core Concepts

URL: /chirp/docs/about/core-concepts/
Section: core-concepts
Tags: concepts, architecture, fundamentals, return-values

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Chirp's core model is type-driven: route handlers return values that carry rendering intent, the app freezes before serving, and configuration is explicit. Start here when you need the mental model behind the task-oriented sections. Arrow Clockwise App Lifecycle Mutable setup, frozen runtime How Chirp's App transitions from configuration to serving. Return Values The type is the intent All the types route handlers can return and what they mean. Settings Configuration AppConfig frozen dataclass Every configuration option with IDE autocomplete.

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