GROWTH PATTERN

Adding Activation to FastAPI + PostgreSQL Apps

FastAPI + PostgreSQL creates user accounts, but there's no infrastructure to detect and celebrate when users first achieve value.

FastAPI + PostgreSQL

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What's Missing in Standard FastAPI + PostgreSQL Architecture

FastAPI + PostgreSQL creates user sessions, but lacks the infrastructure to detect when users first achieve value in your application without custom implementation.

Standard FastAPI + PostgreSQL Flow vs Optimized Skene Flow

Standard Flow
1

User signs up via authentication

2

User record created in PostgreSQL

3

No automatic trigger - manual follow-up required

Skene Flow
1

Watch PostgreSQL 'users' table for new signups using CREATE TRIGGER

2

Detect when user completes first key action (e.g., making their first API call) using PostgreSQL queries

3

Trigger activation email sequence via Resend with personalized onboarding

4

Track activation completion and send milestone emails

Visual comparison of the flows:

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How Skene Fixes This

This Skene Prompt installs activation detection that bridges authentication authentication events with PostgreSQL data changes. It watches for specific actions (like making their first API call) and automatically triggers personalized onboarding sequences.

Implementation Comparison

Using Skene Infrastructure

Install via Prompt

cursor.mdc
@task: Initialize Skene.
@action: Analyze my local code, validating subscription via `npx skene login`, and generate `skene.config.ts` to implement the Activation Loop pattern for FastAPI + PostgreSQL.

Copy Skene Prompt for Cursor

Generated skene.config.ts

skene.config.ts
// skene.config.ts - The Automated Way
import { defineLoop } from '@skene/sdk';

export default defineLoop({
  type: 'activation',
  opinion: 'Detect when users complete their first key action and trigger personalized onboarding',
  steps: [
    {
      trigger: {
        type: 'database',
        table: 'users',
        event: 'insert'
      },
      condition: {
        type: 'query',
        query: `SELECT * FROM user_actions WHERE user_id = $1 AND action_type = 'first_project_created'`,
        timeout: '5m'
      },
      action: {
        type: 'email',
        provider: 'resend',
        template: 'activation_welcome',
        personalization: {
          name: '{{user.name}}',
          activationLink: '{{user.activation_link}}'
        }
      }
    }
  ],
  recovery: {
    retries: 3,
    backoff: 'exponential'
  }
});

Frequently asked questions