# Manage compute instances

Compute instances provide runtime capacity for SQL, workflows, and data-processing tasks. Read the available specification and Worker-image lists before creating an instance; ordinary callers select a platform-provided `spec_id` and do not create specifications.

```text
Read specifications and Worker images
→ Create a compute instance and save resource_id
→ Query details, runtime state, or metrics
→ Suspend, resume, or retry when appropriate
→ Run deletion preflight
→ Delete the instance
```

Creation and lifecycle requests can finish asynchronously. A successful HTTP response means that the service accepted the request, not that the instance is ready. Continue reading `status` and `status_message` on the instance detail.

Before deletion, call the delete preflight endpoint and resolve active-task and workflow dependencies. Deletion is irreversible.