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The [rule_options] section allows fine-tuning individual audit rules with custom thresholds and parameters.

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Configuration

[rule_options]

[rule_options."core/meta-title"]
min_length = 30
max_length = 60

[rule_options."content/word-count"]
min_words = 300
warn_threshold = 500

[rule_options."adblock/element-hiding"]
maxMatchesToReport = 10
lists = ["easylist", "easyprivacy"]

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How Rule Options Work

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Structure

Rule options use TOML table syntax: 
[rule_options."<rule-id>"]
option1 = value1
option2 = value2
  • <rule-id> - Full rule ID (e.g., core/meta-title, content/word-count)
  • Options are rule-specific (each rule defines its own options)
  • All options have defaults (configuration is optional)

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Validation

Rule options are validated against each rule’s schema: 
[rule_options."core/meta-title"]
min_length = "thirty"  # ❌ Error: expected number
max_length = 60        # ✓ OK
Run squirrel config validate to check for errors.

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Common Rule Options

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Core Rules

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core/meta-title

Control title tag length requirements. Options: 
[rule_options."core/meta-title"]
min_length = 30   # Minimum title length (characters)
max_length = 60   # Maximum title length (characters)
Defaults:
  • min_length: 30
  • max_length: 60
Examples: Strict title requirements: 
[rule_options."core/meta-title"]
min_length = 40
max_length = 55
Lenient title requirements: 
[rule_options."core/meta-title"]
min_length = 20
max_length = 70
Why configure:
  • Different industries have different conventions
  • Brand names may require more characters
  • Mobile SERPs show fewer characters (~50)

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core/meta-description

Control meta description length requirements. Options: 
[rule_options."core/meta-description"]
min_length = 120   # Minimum description length
max_length = 160   # Maximum description length
Defaults:
  • min_length: 120
  • max_length: 160
Examples: Google’s recommended length: 
[rule_options."core/meta-description"]
min_length = 120
max_length = 158
Allow longer descriptions: 
[rule_options."core/meta-description"]
min_length = 100
max_length = 200
Why configure:
  • Google truncates ~160 characters
  • Longer descriptions provide more context
  • E-commerce may need more details

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Content Rules

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content/word-count

Set minimum word count for content quality. Options: 
[rule_options."content/word-count"]
min_words = 300        # Minimum acceptable word count
warn_threshold = 500   # Optimal word count threshold
Defaults:
  • min_words: 300
  • warn_threshold: 500
Examples: Blog posts (longer content): 
[rule_options."content/word-count"]
min_words = 500
warn_threshold = 1000
Product pages (shorter acceptable): 
[rule_options."content/word-count"]
min_words = 150
warn_threshold = 300
Landing pages (minimal): 
[rule_options."content/word-count"]
min_words = 100
warn_threshold = 200
Why configure:
  • Blog posts need more words (800-2000+)
  • Product pages can be shorter (200-500)
  • Landing pages focus on conversion
Behavior: 
min_words = 300
warn_threshold = 500
  • < 300 words → fail (thin content)
  • 300-499 words → info (could be longer)
  • ≥ 500 words → pass (good length)

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content/keyword-stuffing

Detect keyword over-optimization. Options: 
[rule_options."content/keyword-stuffing"]
density_threshold = 0.03   # Maximum keyword density (3%)
min_word_count = 100       # Minimum words to check
Defaults:
  • density_threshold: 0.03 (3%)
  • min_word_count: 100
Examples: Strict (avoid over-optimization): 
[rule_options."content/keyword-stuffing"]
density_threshold = 0.02   # 2% max
Lenient (allow more repetition): 
[rule_options."content/keyword-stuffing"]
density_threshold = 0.05   # 5% max
Why configure:
  • Different content types have different natural repetition
  • Technical docs may repeat terms more
  • E-commerce descriptions can be repetitive
How density is calculated: 
density = (keyword_occurrences / total_words)
Example:
  • “SEO” appears 30 times
  • Page has 1000 words
  • Density = 30/1000 = 0.03 (3%)

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content/article-toc

Require table of contents for long articles. Options: 
[rule_options."content/article-toc"]
min_headings = 3   # Minimum headings to require TOC
Default:
  • min_headings: 3
Examples: Require TOC for all articles: 
[rule_options."content/article-toc"]
min_headings = 2
Only long articles: 
[rule_options."content/article-toc"]
min_headings = 5
Why configure:
  • Short articles don’t need TOC
  • Long-form content improves with TOC
  • Accessibility benefits
Check for external citations in articles. Options: 
[rule_options."content/article-links"]
min_external_links = 2   # Minimum external links
Default:
  • min_external_links: 2
Examples: Require more citations (journalism): 
[rule_options."content/article-links"]
min_external_links = 5
No requirement: 
[rule_options."content/article-links"]
min_external_links = 0
Why configure:
  • Academic/news needs citations
  • Product pages may not need external links
  • E-E-A-T prefers authoritative sources

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links/orphan-pages

Detect pages with no incoming internal links. Options: 
[rule_options."links/orphan-pages"]
exclude_patterns = ["/sitemap.xml", "/robots.txt"]
Default:
  • exclude_patterns: []
Examples: Ignore utility pages: 
[rule_options."links/orphan-pages"]
exclude_patterns = [
  "/sitemap.xml",
  "/robots.txt",
  "/404",
  "/500",
  "/.well-known/*"
]
Why configure:
  • Some pages are intentionally unlinked
  • Utility pages don’t need internal links
  • Reduce false positives

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links/dead-end-pages

Find pages with no outgoing internal links. Options: 
[rule_options."links/dead-end-pages"]
exclude_patterns = ["/thank-you", "/confirmation"]
Default:
  • exclude_patterns: []
Examples: Ignore conversion pages: 
[rule_options."links/dead-end-pages"]
exclude_patterns = [
  "/thank-you",
  "/confirmation",
  "/checkout/success",
  "/download/complete"
]
Why configure:
  • Conversion pages often have no links (by design)
  • Focus user on one action
  • Reduce false positives
Control internal linking recommendations. Options: 
[rule_options."links/internal-links"]
min_internal_links = 2   # Minimum internal links per page
Default:
  • min_internal_links: 2
Examples: Require more internal linking: 
[rule_options."links/internal-links"]
min_internal_links = 5
Minimal requirement: 
[rule_options."links/internal-links"]
min_internal_links = 1
Why configure:
  • Landing pages may have fewer links
  • Blog posts benefit from more internal links
  • E-commerce categories need many links

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Performance Rules

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performance/ttfb

Time to First Byte threshold. Options: 
[rule_options."performance/ttfb"]
warn_threshold = 600    # Warning threshold (ms)
error_threshold = 1000  # Error threshold (ms)
Defaults:
  • warn_threshold: 600
  • error_threshold: 1000
Examples: Strict performance (fast hosting): 
[rule_options."performance/ttfb"]
warn_threshold = 300
error_threshold = 600
Lenient (slow hosting): 
[rule_options."performance/ttfb"]
warn_threshold = 1000
error_threshold = 2000
Why configure:
  • Shared hosting is slower
  • CDN hosting is faster
  • Geographic distance affects TTFB
Behavior: 
warn_threshold = 600
error_threshold = 1000
  • < 600ms → pass
  • 600-999ms → warn
  • ≥ 1000ms → fail

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performance/dom-size

DOM element count limits. Options: 
[rule_options."performance/dom-size"]
warn_threshold = 1500   # Warning threshold (elements)
error_threshold = 3000  # Error threshold (elements)
Defaults:
  • warn_threshold: 1500
  • error_threshold: 3000
Examples: Simple sites: 
[rule_options."performance/dom-size"]
warn_threshold = 800
error_threshold = 1500
Complex apps: 
[rule_options."performance/dom-size"]
warn_threshold = 2000
error_threshold = 4000
Why configure:
  • Simple pages have fewer elements
  • Complex apps have more elements
  • Mobile performance more sensitive

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Accessibility Rules

Require skip navigation link. Options: 
[rule_options."a11y/skip-link"]
required = true   # Require skip link presence
Default:
  • required: true
Examples: Optional skip link: 
[rule_options."a11y/skip-link"]
required = false
Why configure:
  • Simple sites may not need skip links
  • Complex sites benefit from skip links
  • WCAG AA compliance

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Security Rules

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security/http-to-https

Allow HTTP links from HTTPS pages. Options: 
[rule_options."security/http-to-https"]
allow_localhost = true   # Allow HTTP localhost links
allow_patterns = []      # Whitelist patterns
Defaults:
  • allow_localhost: true
  • allow_patterns: []
Examples: Allow specific domains: 
[rule_options."security/http-to-https"]
allow_localhost = true
allow_patterns = [
  "http://example.com/*",
  "http://legacy.site.com/*"
]
Strict (no HTTP allowed): 
[rule_options."security/http-to-https"]
allow_localhost = false
allow_patterns = []
Why configure:
  • Legacy integrations may use HTTP
  • Development environments use HTTP
  • Some APIs don’t support HTTPS

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Crawl Rules

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crawl/all-noindex-pages

Check if all pages are noindexed. Options: 
[rule_options."crawl/all-noindex-pages"]
threshold = 0.9   # Percentage threshold (90%)
Default:
  • threshold: 0.9 (90%)
Examples: Stricter check: 
[rule_options."crawl/all-noindex-pages"]
threshold = 0.5   # Warn if 50%+ noindexed
Why configure:
  • Staging sites should be fully noindexed
  • Production sites shouldn’t be noindexed
  • Detect misconfiguration
Behavior: 
threshold = 0.9
If 90%+ of crawled pages are noindexed → warn (possible misconfiguration)

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Adblock Rules

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adblock/element-hiding

Check for adblocker-hidden elements. Options: 
[rule_options."adblock/element-hiding"]
maxMatchesToReport = 10   # Max elements to report
lists = [                  # Filter lists to check
  "easylist",
  "easyprivacy",
  "fanboy-annoyance"
]
Defaults:
  • maxMatchesToReport: 10
  • lists: ["easylist", "easyprivacy", "fanboy-annoyance"]
Examples: Check more filter lists: 
[rule_options."adblock/element-hiding"]
maxMatchesToReport = 20
lists = [
  "easylist",
  "easyprivacy",
  "fanboy-annoyance",
  "fanboy-social"
]
Only check main list: 
[rule_options."adblock/element-hiding"]
lists = ["easylist"]
Available lists:
  • easylist - Main adblock list
  • easyprivacy - Privacy protection
  • fanboy-annoyance - Annoyance elements
  • fanboy-social - Social media buttons
Why configure:
  • Different lists have different strictness
  • Reduce false positives
  • Focus on specific concerns
Check for links to blocked tracking domains. Options: 
[rule_options."adblock/blocked-links"]
maxMatchesToReport = 10   # Max links to report
lists = ["easyprivacy"]   # Filter lists
Defaults:
  • maxMatchesToReport: 10
  • lists: ["easyprivacy"]

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Finding Rule Options

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View rule schema

Check which options a rule accepts: 
squirrel rules show core/meta-title
Output: 
core/meta-title - Meta Title
  Validates page title presence and length

Options:
  min_length: number (default: 30)
  max_length: number (default: 60)

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List all rules with options

squirrel rules list --with-options

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View config with defaults

squirrel config show
Shows effective configuration including rule option defaults.

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Configuration Examples

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Blog Site

[rule_options."core/meta-title"]
min_length = 40
max_length = 60

[rule_options."content/word-count"]
min_words = 500
warn_threshold = 1000

[rule_options."content/article-toc"]
min_headings = 3

[rule_options."content/article-links"]
min_external_links = 3
Why:
  • Blog posts need longer titles
  • Content should be comprehensive
  • Articles benefit from TOC
  • External citations improve E-E-A-T

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E-commerce Site

[rule_options."core/meta-title"]
min_length = 30
max_length = 55  # Shorter for mobile

[rule_options."content/word-count"]
min_words = 150
warn_threshold = 300  # Product pages are shorter

[rule_options."links/dead-end-pages"]
exclude_patterns = ["/thank-you", "/checkout/success"]

[rule_options."content/article-links"]
min_external_links = 0  # Products don't need citations
Why:
  • Product titles often shorter
  • Product descriptions concise
  • Conversion pages are dead-ends
  • Products link internally, not externally

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Documentation Site

[rule_options."content/word-count"]
min_words = 200
warn_threshold = 400

[rule_options."content/article-toc"]
min_headings = 2  # Most docs need TOC

[rule_options."links/internal-links"]
min_internal_links = 5  # Docs should cross-reference

[rule_options."content/keyword-stuffing"]
density_threshold = 0.05  # Technical terms repeat
Why:
  • Docs can be shorter (reference material)
  • TOC essential for navigation
  • Cross-referencing improves UX
  • Technical terms naturally repeat

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Landing Pages

[rule_options."content/word-count"]
min_words = 100
warn_threshold = 200  # Conversion-focused

[rule_options."links/internal-links"]
min_internal_links = 1  # Focus on CTA

[rule_options."links/dead-end-pages"]
exclude_patterns = ["/lp/*"]  # Landing pages

[rule_options."content/article-toc"]
min_headings = 10  # Don't need TOC
Why:
  • Landing pages are concise
  • Minimize distractions from CTA
  • Dead-ends by design
  • Single page focus

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Validation

Check rule options are valid: 
squirrel config validate
Valid config: 
✓ Config valid: /path/to/squirrel.toml
Invalid config: 
✗ Invalid config:
  rule_options.core/meta-title.min_length: Expected number, received string
Fix and re-validate: 
# Before (invalid)
[rule_options."core/meta-title"]
min_length = "thirty"

# After (valid)
[rule_options."core/meta-title"]
min_length = 30

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Complete Example

[project]
name = "myblog"

[crawler]
max_pages = 500

[rules]
enable = ["*"]
disable = ["ai/*"]

# Rule-specific configuration
[rule_options."core/meta-title"]
min_length = 40
max_length = 60

[rule_options."core/meta-description"]
min_length = 120
max_length = 160

[rule_options."content/word-count"]
min_words = 500
warn_threshold = 1000

[rule_options."content/article-toc"]
min_headings = 3

[rule_options."content/article-links"]
min_external_links = 2

[rule_options."links/orphan-pages"]
exclude_patterns = ["/404", "/500", "/.well-known/*"]

[rule_options."performance/ttfb"]
warn_threshold = 600
error_threshold = 1000
This configuration:
  • Requires longer titles (40-60 chars)
  • Enforces substantial content (500+ words)
  • Requires table of contents for articles
  • Expects external citations
  • Ignores utility pages in orphan check
  • Sets strict TTFB thresholds