In short, a caprifig type fig is the male fig that produces the pollen required to caprify (pollinate) female figs.

Unless you are located in very select regions of California that have the fig wasp (the only known natural means for pollinating female figs), you may want to avoid caprifigs. HOWEVER, some outside of wasp regions will elect to acquire caprifigs for manual pollination or to attempt to establish the fig wasp.

you may be interested in more detailed information in his book, Caprifigs and Caprification.