Provisional patent for app development?

[SycamoreSavage]

I am developing an app that I think could be far reaching and very successful. In order to release a beta, I feel the need to protect the idea somehow. Without having a lot of funds currently available, a provisional patent application is the best solution I've found so far. Does anyone here know if this actually does protect technology IP and/or is there a better solution? Thanks.

[kp1]

"A provisional application for patent has a pendency lasting 12 months from the date the provisional application is filed. The 12-month pendency period cannot be extended. " - Sounds like a waste of money, so just get a real one?

https://www.uspto.gov/patents-getting-started/patent-basics/...

[SycamoreSavage]

If you've ever looked into getting a patent, it's expensive (for a normal person not making much money), like thousands of dollars. I don't have that kind of extra money right now, and a provisional patent application is only $100. This will suffice until I can get funding so I can still test my idea, because the "patent pending" status would protect it from being stolen.