> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.shovels.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# What Is Charlie?

> Charlie is the AI chat assistant inside Shovels Online. Ask permit data questions in plain English and get answers without building a search.

**Charlie is the AI chat assistant inside [Shovels Online](https://app.shovels.ai).** Ask questions about permit data in plain English and get answers back in the app — no filters, no downloads, no code required. Charlie queries the full Shovels dataset and uses your Shovels API credits.

Charlie is part of Shovels Online rather than a separate tool, so any account with an active plan can start asking. There is no separate signup.

## What Charlie Can Do

Charlie answers complex, natural-language questions that would otherwise take several filter selections to assemble by hand.

**Example questions:**

* "Find all solar permits filed in Connecticut by Freedom Forever in the last 12 months"
* "Which contractors pulled the most HVAC permits in Austin, TX last year?"
* "How many ADU permits were issued in Los Angeles County in 2024?"
* "Show me roofing contractors in Phoenix with more than 50 permits filed"
* "What's the average job value for new construction permits in Denver?"

## When to Use Charlie

Charlie and the filter-based search answer different kinds of questions. Ask Charlie when:

* You have a specific research question (contractor, geography, permit type)
* You want to verify data before pulling a full export
* You're not sure which filters apply
* You want to explore the data conversationally

<Info>
  For bulk exports or recurring data pulls, the [search and download tools](/docs/knowledge-base/shovels-online/how-it-works) in Shovels Online or the [API](/docs/knowledge-base/api/basics/api-key-access) will serve you better.
</Info>

## Credits & Access

Charlie uses your Shovels API credits and is available to any user with an active API plan. Free trial users receive **250 requests** to get started.

See [How do API credits work?](/docs/knowledge-base/api/basics/request-counts) for details on how requests are counted.

## Getting Started

Charlie is available in [Shovels Online](https://app.shovels.ai) once you sign in with your Shovels account.

## Related Articles

* [How Shovels Online works](/docs/knowledge-base/shovels-online/how-it-works)
* [What's included in the free trial?](/docs/knowledge-base/getting-started/free-trial-guide)
* [How does pricing work?](/docs/knowledge-base/getting-started/pricing-structure)
* [How do I access my API key?](/docs/knowledge-base/api/basics/api-key-access)