Does Skene work with Next.js?

Yes! Skene is framework-agnostic and works with Next.js, Upstash, and Clerk. The Skene SDK integrates with your existing codebase by analyzing your database schema, API routes, and authentication setup. After running `npx skene init`, Skene automatically detects your stack and generates the appropriate configuration.

Is the manual implementation code secure?

The manual code shown above is a simplified example and has several security concerns: it lacks proper input validation, doesn't handle SQL injection risks, and has no rate limiting. Additionally, the polling approach creates unnecessary database load. Skene handles all of these concerns automatically with built-in security best practices, proper error handling, and optimized queries.

How long does it take to implement Activation Loops manually vs with Skene?

Implementing Activation Loops manually typically takes 2-3 days of development time, including setting up workers, writing database queries, handling edge cases, and testing. With Skene, you can install the same functionality in under 5 minutes by copying the prompt into Cursor or Claude Code. Skene automatically generates the `skene.config.ts` file and integrates with your existing infrastructure.

How to Fix Activation Loops in Next.js + Upstash Redis + Clerk Applications | Skene Growth Audit

What's Missing in Standard Next.js + Upstash Redis + Clerk Architecture

Without an infrastructure layer listening to Upstash events, you rely on manual cron jobs or messy webhooks to track when users reach their first value milestone. Most setups require custom code to detect activation.

Standard Next.js + Upstash Redis + Clerk Flow vs Optimized Skene Flow

Standard Flow

1

User signs up via Clerk

2

User record created in Upstash

3

No automatic trigger - manual follow-up required

Skene Flow

1

Watch Upstash 'users' table for new signups using standard API

2

Detect when user completes first key action (e.g., creates first project) using Upstash 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

We built a Skene configuration that monitors Next.js + Upstash Redis + Clerk's Upstash for activation events. It detects when users first achieve value and automatically sends milestone emails and onboarding guidance.

Implementation Comparison

Using Skene Infrastructure

Auto-managed state. Installed via Prompt.

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 Next.js + Upstash Redis + Clerk.

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'
  }
});