ask_user

ask_user - Email-based User Interaction

Send messages to the user via email and wait for their reply. Blocks until a reply is received (no timeout).

Activation

/ask_user <email-address>

Prerequisites

Requires the radas Python package. Use the Python environment specified by the user. If not specified, ask the user (via AskUserQuestion) before activating this skill.

Running Scripts

source ~/miniconda3/etc/profile.d/conda.sh && \
conda activate <your-env> && \
python -u -c "<your code here>"

API

from radas.email import ask_user

answer = ask_user(
    to_address="[email protected]",
    question="Your message here (plain text or HTML)",
    images=None,  # Optional: list of base64-encoded PNG strings
    attachment_paths=None,  # Optional: list of file paths
    poll_interval=30,  # Seconds between checks (default: 30)
) -> str  # Returns user's reply

When to Use

Once this skill is activated, ask_user() is your ONLY way to communicate with the user. The user is away from the terminal and will not see terminal output.

Scenario 1: Need User Input

You need a decision, confirmation, or choice.

answer = ask_user(
    to_address="[email protected]",
    question="""
<h3>Choose a database:</h3>
<ol>
    <li>PostgreSQL</li>
    <li>SQLite</li>
    <li>MySQL</li>
</ol>
<p>Reply with 1, 2, or 3.</p>
""",
)

Scenario 2: Task Completed / Milestone Reached

You finished a task or hit a milestone. Send results and ask what to do next.

answer = ask_user(
    to_address="[email protected]",
    question="""
<h3>Task Complete</h3>
<p>I've fixed the authentication bug. Here's what I changed:</p>
<ul>
    <li><code>auth.py</code>: Fixed token expiry check</li>
    <li><code>test_auth.py</code>: Added regression test (all tests pass)</li>
</ul>
<p>What would you like me to do next?</p>
""",
)

Rules

Once activated:

1. NO terminal interaction: Do NOT use AskUserQuestion or stop expecting the user to read terminal output
2. NEVER stop silently: Always send an email with results before stopping
3. Wait indefinitely: ask_user() blocks until the user replies — this is expected