What's Missing in Standard Next.js + DynamoDB + Auth0 Architecture
Without usage tracking in DynamoDB, free users can consume unlimited resources without hitting conversion triggers. payments processes payments but doesn't monitor feature usage, requiring separate tracking implementation.
Standard Next.js + DynamoDB + Auth0 Flow vs Optimized Skene Flow
User subscribes via payments
Subscription status stored in DynamoDB
Features accessible but no usage limits enforced
Track usage in DynamoDB 'subscriptions' and 'usage' tables
Detect when free tier user hits limit (e.g., 10 projects created)
Block feature access and trigger upgrade prompt email
Track conversion from free to paid
Visual comparison of the flows:
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How Skene Fixes This
The Skene infrastructure for Next.js + DynamoDB + Auth0 tracks usage in DynamoDB and integrates with payments to enforce subscription limits. It automatically gates features and sends conversion-focused email sequences when free tier limits are reached.
Implementation Comparison
Using Skene Infrastructure
Install via Prompt
@task: Initialize Skene.
@action: Analyze my local code, validating subscription via `npx skene login`, and generate `skene.config.ts` to implement the Freemium Gating pattern for Next.js + DynamoDB + Auth0.Copy Skene Prompt for Cursor
Generated skene.config.ts
// skene.config.ts - The Automated Way
import { defineLoop } from '@skene/sdk';
export default defineLoop({
type: 'freemium',
opinion: 'Enforce usage limits for free tier users and trigger upgrade prompts',
steps: [
{
trigger: {
type: 'api',
endpoint: '/api/features/*',
method: 'POST'
},
condition: {
type: 'usage',
limit: {
free: 100,
paid: Infinity
},
period: '30d'
},
action: {
type: 'block',
message: 'You've reached your free tier limit. Upgrade to continue.',
upgradePrompt: {
type: 'email',
provider: 'resend',
template: 'upgrade_prompt'
}
}
}
],
recovery: {
retries: 0 // No retries for blocking actions
}
});