sqlew 4.0.5 → 4.1.0

package/docs/CONFIGURATION.md

@@ -1,925 +1,922 @@
-# sqlew Configuration Guide
-
-**Complete guide to configuring sqlew via CLI arguments and config files**
-
-## Table of Contents
-
-1. [Overview](#overview)
-2. [Configuration Priority](#configuration-priority)
-3. [Config File Format](#config-file-format)
-4. [Configuration Options](#configuration-options)
-5. [Setup Instructions](#setup-instructions)
-6. [Validation Rules](#validation-rules)
-7. [Runtime Configuration](#runtime-configuration)
-8. [Common Configurations](#common-configurations)
-9. [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
-
----
-
-## Overview
-
-sqlew supports flexible configuration through two mechanisms:
-
-- **CLI arguments** - Override settings at startup (highest priority)
-- **Config file** (`.sqlew/config.toml`) - Persistent project settings
-
-### Why Use Config Files?
-
-**Benefits:**
-- ✅ **Persistent settings** - No need to specify CLI args every time
-- ✅ **Version control** - Commit config to share team settings
-- ✅ **Documentation** - Self-documenting project requirements
-- ✅ **Type safety** - TOML validation catches errors early
-- ✅ **Separation of concerns** - Config separate from code
-
-**When to use:**
-- Multi-developer projects with shared settings
-- Different settings per environment (dev/staging/prod)
-- Complex retention policies (weekend-aware, long retention)
-- Custom database locations
-
----
-
-## Configuration Priority
-
-sqlew applies configuration in this order (highest to lowest priority):
-
-```
-1. CLI Arguments (--autodelete-message-hours=48)
-   ↓
-2. Config File (.sqlew/config.toml)
-   ↓
-3. Code Defaults (DEFAULT_CONFIG in types.ts)
-```
-
-**Example:**
-```toml
-# .sqlew/config.toml
-[autodelete]
-message_hours = 24
-```
-
-```bash
-# CLI overrides config file
-npx sqlew --autodelete-message-hours=48
-
-# Result: message_hours = 48 (CLI wins)
-```
-
-**After startup:**
-- CLI and config file values are merged
-- Settings are held in memory during runtime
-
----
-
-## Config File Format
-
-### Location
-
-**Default path:** `.sqlew/config.toml` (relative to project root)
-
-**Custom path:** Specify via `--config-path` CLI argument
-```bash
-npx sqlew --config-path=config/custom.toml
-```
-
-### TOML Structure
-
-Config file uses TOML format with three sections:
-
-```toml
-[database]      # Database location
-[autodelete]    # Retention policies
-[tasks]         # Task management
-```
-
-### Complete Example
-
-```toml
-# sqlew Configuration File
-# Copy from .sqlew/config.toml.example and customize
-
-# ============================================================================
-# Database Settings
-# ============================================================================
-[database]
-# Database file path (relative to project root or absolute)
-# Default: ".sqlew/sqlew.db"
-path = ".sqlew/custom.db"
-# path = "/absolute/path/to/database.db"
-
-# ============================================================================
-# Auto-Deletion Settings
-# ============================================================================
-[autodelete]
-# Skip weekends when calculating retention periods
-# When true: 24 hours on Monday = previous Friday (skips Sat/Sun)
-# When false: 24 hours = exactly 24 hours ago
-# Default: false
-ignore_weekend = false
-
-# Message retention period in hours (1-720)
-# Messages older than this are automatically deleted
-# Default: 24 (1 day)
-message_hours = 24
-
-# File change history retention in days (1-365)
-# File changes older than this are automatically deleted
-# Default: 7 (1 week)
-file_history_days = 7
-
-# ============================================================================
-# Task Management Settings
-# ============================================================================
-[tasks]
-# Git-aware auto-complete (v3.4.0)
-# Enable automatic completion when all watched files are committed
-# Default: true
-git_auto_complete_enabled = true
-
-# Require all watched files to be committed for auto-complete
-# When true: All watched files must be committed (strict)
-# When false: At least one watched file committed (permissive)
-# Default: true
-require_all_files_committed = true
-
-# Notification threshold for stale waiting_review tasks (hours, 1-720)
-# Tasks stuck in 'waiting_review' longer than this → notification
-# Note: v3.4.0 removed auto-revert to 'todo' behavior
-# Default: 48 (2 days)
-stale_review_notification_hours = 48
-
-# Auto-archive done tasks after N days (1-365)
-# Tasks in 'done' status older than this are moved to 'archived'
-# Keeps task list clean while preserving history
-# Default: 2 (48 hours)
-auto_archive_done_days = 2
-
-# Stale detection threshold for 'in_progress' tasks (hours, 1-168)
-# Tasks stuck in 'in_progress' longer than this → move to 'waiting_review'
-# Helps recover from interrupted AI sessions
-# Default: 2 (2 hours)
-stale_hours_in_progress = 2
-
-# Stale detection threshold for 'waiting_review' tasks (hours, 1-720)
-# DEPRECATED in v3.4.0 (kept for backward compatibility)
-# No longer auto-reverts to 'todo' - use stale_review_notification_hours instead
-# Default: 24 (1 day)
-stale_hours_waiting_review = 24
-
-# Enable automatic stale detection
-# When true: Runs stale detection on startup and before task operations
-# When false: Stale detection disabled (manual only)
-# Default: true
-auto_stale_enabled = true
-```
-
----
-
-## Configuration Options
-
-### Database Settings
-
-#### `database.path`
-
-**Description:** Database file location
-
-**Type:** String (file path)
-
-**Default:** `.sqlew/sqlew.db`
-
-**Examples:**
-```toml
-# Relative path (from project root)
-[database]
-path = ".sqlew/custom.db"
-
-# Absolute path
-path = "/var/data/sqlew/production.db"
-
-# Per-environment config
-path = ".sqlew/dev.db"    # development
-path = ".sqlew/prod.db"   # production
-```
-
-**CLI Override:**
-```bash
-npx sqlew /path/to/database.db
-```
-
----
-
-### Auto-Deletion Settings
-
-#### `autodelete.ignore_weekend`
-
-**Description:** Skip weekends when calculating retention periods
-
-**Type:** Boolean
-
-**Default:** `false`
-
-**Behavior:**
-- `false`: Standard time-based (24h = 24 hours ago)
-- `true`: Skip weekends (24h on Monday = Friday 24h ago)
-
-**Use cases:**
-- Development teams (no work on weekends)
-- Business-hours-only projects
-- Preserve Friday context through Monday
-
-**Examples:**
-```toml
-[autodelete]
-# Preserve weekend context
-ignore_weekend = true
-message_hours = 24
-
-# Result on Monday 9am:
-# - false: Deletes messages before Sunday 9am
-# - true:  Deletes messages before Friday 9am (skips Sat/Sun)
-```
-
-**CLI Override:**
-```bash
-npx sqlew --autodelete-ignore-weekend
-npx sqlew --autodelete-ignore-weekend=true
-```
-
-#### `autodelete.message_hours`
-
-**Description:** Message retention period in hours
-
-**Type:** Integer (1-720)
-
-**Default:** `24` (1 day)
-
-**Range:** 1 hour to 720 hours (30 days)
-
-**Examples:**
-```toml
-[autodelete]
-message_hours = 1     # Aggressive cleanup (dev)
-message_hours = 24    # Default (1 day)
-message_hours = 168   # 1 week
-message_hours = 720   # 30 days (max)
-```
-
-**CLI Override:**
-```bash
-npx sqlew --autodelete-message-hours=48
-```
-
-#### `autodelete.file_history_days`
-
-**Description:** File change history retention in days
-
-**Type:** Integer (1-365)
-
-**Default:** `7` (1 week)
-
-**Range:** 1 day to 365 days (1 year)
-
-**Examples:**
-```toml
-[autodelete]
-file_history_days = 1    # Aggressive cleanup (dev)
-file_history_days = 7    # Default (1 week)
-file_history_days = 30   # 1 month
-file_history_days = 365  # 1 year (max)
-```
-
-**CLI Override:**
-```bash
-npx sqlew --autodelete-file-history-days=30
-```
-
----
-
-### Task Management Settings
-
-#### `tasks.git_auto_complete_enabled`
-
-**Description:** Enable git-aware auto-complete for waiting_review tasks
-
-**Type:** Boolean
-
-**Default:** `true`
-
-**Behavior:**
-- `true`: Tasks in `waiting_review` auto-complete to `done` when all watched files are committed to git
-- `false`: Manual completion required (no git integration)
-
-**Use cases:**
-- Auto-completion based on git commits
-- Ensure work is properly tracked in version control
-- Reduce manual task management overhead
-
-**Examples:**
-```toml
-[tasks]
-# Enable git-aware auto-complete (default)
-git_auto_complete_enabled = true
-
-# Disable git-aware auto-complete
-git_auto_complete_enabled = false
-```
-
-**Configure via CLI arguments only**
-
-#### `tasks.require_all_files_committed`
-
-**Description:** Require all watched files to be committed before auto-complete
-
-**Type:** Boolean
-
-**Default:** `true`
-
-**Behavior:**
-- `true`: All watched files must be committed (strict mode)
-- `false`: At least one watched file committed triggers auto-complete (permissive mode)
-
-**Use cases:**
-- Strict mode: Ensure complete work is committed
-- Permissive mode: Allow partial commits to trigger completion
-
-**Examples:**
-```toml
-[tasks]
-# Require all watched files committed (strict - default)
-require_all_files_committed = true
-
-# Allow partial commits (permissive)
-require_all_files_committed = false
-```
-
-**Configure via CLI arguments only**
-
-#### `tasks.stale_review_notification_hours`
-
-**Description:** Notification threshold for stale waiting_review tasks (hours)
-
-**Type:** Integer (1-720)
-
-**Default:** `48` (2 days)
-
-**Range:** 1 hour to 720 hours (30 days)
-
-**Behavior:**
-- Tasks in `waiting_review` > threshold → generate notification
-- Does NOT auto-transition (removed in v3.4.0)
-- Helps identify tasks stuck in review
-
-**Examples:**
-```toml
-[tasks]
-stale_review_notification_hours = 24    # Notify after 1 day
-stale_review_notification_hours = 48    # Default (2 days)
-stale_review_notification_hours = 72    # Notify after 3 days
-stale_review_notification_hours = 168   # Notify after 1 week
-```
-
-**Configure via CLI arguments only**
-
-#### `tasks.auto_archive_done_days`
-
-**Description:** Auto-archive done tasks after N days
-
-**Type:** Integer (1-365)
-
-**Default:** `2` (48 hours)
-
-**Range:** 1 day to 365 days
-
-**Behavior:**
-- Tasks in `done` status older than threshold → `archived`
-- Keeps task board clean while preserving history
-- Archived tasks still queryable via `task` tool
-
-**Examples:**
-```toml
-[tasks]
-auto_archive_done_days = 1    # Quick cleanup (demo/dev)
-auto_archive_done_days = 2    # Default (48 hours)
-auto_archive_done_days = 7    # 1 week (production)
-auto_archive_done_days = 30   # Long retention
-```
-
-**Configure via CLI arguments only**
-
-#### `tasks.stale_hours_in_progress`
-
-**Description:** Stale detection threshold for `in_progress` tasks
-
-**Type:** Integer (1-168)
-
-**Default:** `2` (2 hours)
-
-**Range:** 1 hour to 168 hours (7 days)
-
-**Behavior:**
-- Tasks in `in_progress` > threshold → `waiting_review`
-- Helps recover from interrupted AI sessions
-- Runs on startup and before task operations
-
-**Examples:**
-```toml
-[tasks]
-stale_hours_in_progress = 1    # Aggressive (1 hour)
-stale_hours_in_progress = 2    # Default (2 hours)
-stale_hours_in_progress = 4    # Relaxed (4 hours)
-stale_hours_in_progress = 24   # Very relaxed (1 day)
-```
-
-**Configure via CLI arguments only**
-
-#### `tasks.stale_hours_waiting_review`
-
-**Description:** Stale detection threshold for `waiting_review` tasks
-
-**Type:** Integer (1-720)
-
-**Default:** `24` (1 day)
-
-**Range:** 1 hour to 720 hours (30 days)
-
-**Behavior:**
-- Tasks in `waiting_review` > threshold → `todo`
-- Prevents abandoned reviews from blocking workflow
-- Runs on startup and before task operations
-
-**Examples:**
-```toml
-[tasks]
-stale_hours_waiting_review = 8     # Aggressive (8 hours)
-stale_hours_waiting_review = 24    # Default (1 day)
-stale_hours_waiting_review = 48    # Relaxed (2 days)
-stale_hours_waiting_review = 168   # Very relaxed (1 week)
-```
-
-**Configure via CLI arguments only**
-
-#### `tasks.auto_stale_enabled`
-
-**Description:** Enable automatic stale detection
-
-**Type:** Boolean
-
-**Default:** `true`
-
-**Behavior:**
-- `true`: Runs stale detection on startup and before task operations
-- `false`: Stale detection disabled (manual only via MCP tool)
-
-**Examples:**
-```toml
-[tasks]
-# Enable auto-stale (default)
-auto_stale_enabled = true
-
-# Disable auto-stale (manual control only)
-auto_stale_enabled = false
-```
-
-**Configure via CLI arguments only**
-
----
-
-## Setup Instructions
-
-### 1. Copy Example Config
-
-```bash
-# Navigate to project root
-cd /path/to/your/project
-
-# Copy example config
-cp .sqlew/config.toml.example .sqlew/config.toml
-```
-
-### 2. Customize Settings
-
-Edit `.sqlew/config.toml`:
-
-```toml
-[database]
-# Use custom database location
-path = ".sqlew/my-project.db"
-
-[autodelete]
-# Weekend-aware cleanup for development team
-ignore_weekend = true
-message_hours = 48
-file_history_days = 14
-
-[tasks]
-# Quick archival for fast-paced projects
-auto_archive_done_days = 1
-stale_hours_in_progress = 1
-stale_hours_waiting_review = 12
-```
-
-### 3. Version Control (Optional)
-
-```bash
-# Add to git (share team settings)
-git add .sqlew/config.toml
-git commit -m "Add sqlew configuration"
-
-# Or ignore (per-developer settings)
-echo ".sqlew/config.toml" >> .gitignore
-```
-
-### 4. Start sqlew
-
-```bash
-# Uses .sqlew/config.toml automatically
-npx sqlew
-
-# Or specify custom config path
-npx sqlew --config-path=config/custom.toml
-```
-
-### 5. Verify Configuration
-
-Check the console output on startup to verify configuration was loaded:
-
-```
-✓ Loaded 7 config values from file (.sqlew/config.toml)
-✓ Configuration merged with CLI arguments
-```
-
-Settings are loaded from config file and CLI arguments at startup.
-
----
-
-## Validation Rules
-
-sqlew validates all configuration values on startup:
-
-### Auto-Deletion Rules
-
-| Setting | Min | Max | Default |
-|---------|-----|-----|---------|
-| `message_hours` | 1 | 720 | 24 |
-| `file_history_days` | 1 | 365 | 7 |
-
-**Validation errors:**
-```toml
-[autodelete]
-message_hours = 0      # ❌ Error: must be >= 1
-message_hours = 1000   # ❌ Error: must be <= 720
-```
-
-### Task Management Rules
-
-| Setting | Min | Max | Default |
-|---------|-----|-----|---------|
-| `auto_archive_done_days` | 1 | 365 | 2 |
-| `stale_hours_in_progress` | 1 | 168 | 2 |
-| `stale_hours_waiting_review` | 1 | 720 | 24 |
-
-**Validation errors:**
-```toml
-[tasks]
-stale_hours_in_progress = 0     # ❌ Error: must be >= 1
-stale_hours_in_progress = 200   # ❌ Error: must be <= 168
-```
-
-### Error Handling
-
-**On validation failure:**
-1. sqlew prints warnings to console
-2. Invalid values ignored
-3. Falls back to defaults
-4. Server continues to start
-
-**Example output:**
-```
-⚠️  Configuration validation warnings:
-   - autodelete.message_hours must be between 1 and 720 (30 days)
-   - tasks.stale_hours_in_progress must be between 1 and 168 (7 days)
-   Using default configuration
-```
-
----
-
-## Runtime Configuration
-
-### Configuration Methods (v4.0.0)
-
-v4.0.0 uses **CLI arguments only** for configuration. The config MCP tool has been removed.
-
-**Configuration priority:**
-1. **CLI Arguments** - Highest priority, applied at startup
-2. **Config File** (.sqlew/config.toml) - Persistent project settings
-3. **Code Defaults** - Built-in defaults (lowest priority)
-
-### CLI Arguments (Recommended)
-
-Use CLI arguments for one-time overrides or environment-specific settings:
-
-```bash
-# Override specific settings at startup
-npx sqlew --autodelete-message-hours=48 --autodelete-ignore-weekend
-
-# Multiple arguments can be combined
-npx sqlew \
-  --db-path=.sqlew/prod.db \
-  --autodelete-ignore-weekend \
-  --autodelete-message-hours=168 \
-  --autodelete-file-history-days=30
-```
-
-**Available CLI arguments:**
-```bash
---db-path=/path/to/database.db          # Database file location
---autodelete-ignore-weekend              # Skip weekends in retention
---autodelete-message-hours=N             # Message retention (1-720 hours)
---autodelete-file-history-days=N         # File history retention (1-365 days)
---config-path=/path/to/config.toml       # Custom config file location
-```
-
-### File-Based Configuration (Recommended)
-
-Edit `.sqlew/config.toml` directly for persistent settings:
-
-```toml
-[database]
-path = ".sqlew/custom.db"
-
-[autodelete]
-ignore_weekend = true
-message_hours = 48
-file_history_days = 14
-
-[tasks]
-git_auto_complete_enabled = true
-auto_archive_done_days = 2
-```
-
-**Benefits:**
-1. **Persistent** - Settings survive server restarts
-2. **Version control** - Commit config to git, share with team
-3. **Documentation** - Config file documents project requirements
-4. **Type safety** - TOML validation catches errors at startup
-
-### Applying Configuration Changes
-
-**To apply changes:**
-1. **Edit** `.sqlew/config.toml` or update CLI arguments
-2. **Restart** the MCP server (changes take effect on startup)
-3. **Verify** via console output showing loaded configuration
-
-Merged settings are held in memory during runtime.
-
----
-
-## Common Configurations
-
-### Development (Aggressive Cleanup)
-
-**Use case:** Fast iteration, minimal data retention
-
-```toml
-[autodelete]
-ignore_weekend = false
-message_hours = 1
-file_history_days = 1
-
-[tasks]
-auto_archive_done_days = 1
-stale_hours_in_progress = 1
-stale_hours_waiting_review = 8
-auto_stale_enabled = true
-```
-
-### Production (Conservative Retention)
-
-**Use case:** Long-term projects, preserve history
-
-```toml
-[autodelete]
-ignore_weekend = false
-message_hours = 168     # 7 days
-file_history_days = 30
-
-[tasks]
-auto_archive_done_days = 7
-stale_hours_in_progress = 4
-stale_hours_waiting_review = 48
-auto_stale_enabled = true
-```
-
-### Weekend-Aware Workflow
-
-**Use case:** Developer teams (no weekend work)
-
-```toml
-[autodelete]
-ignore_weekend = true   # Skip weekends
-message_hours = 48
-file_history_days = 14
-
-[tasks]
-auto_archive_done_days = 2
-stale_hours_in_progress = 2
-stale_hours_waiting_review = 24
-auto_stale_enabled = true
-```
-
-### Manual Control (No Auto-Cleanup)
-
-**Use case:** Full control, manual cleanup only
-
-```toml
-[autodelete]
-ignore_weekend = false
-message_hours = 720     # Max retention (30 days)
-file_history_days = 365 # Max retention (1 year)
-
-[tasks]
-auto_archive_done_days = 365
-stale_hours_in_progress = 168    # 7 days (max)
-stale_hours_waiting_review = 720 # 30 days (max)
-auto_stale_enabled = false       # Disable auto-stale
-```
-
-### Multi-Environment Setup
-
-**Development:**
-```toml
-# .sqlew/dev.toml
-[database]
-path = ".sqlew/dev.db"
-
-[autodelete]
-message_hours = 1
-file_history_days = 1
-```
-
-**Production:**
-```toml
-# .sqlew/prod.toml
-[database]
-path = ".sqlew/prod.db"
-
-[autodelete]
-message_hours = 168
-file_history_days = 30
-```
-
-**Usage:**
-```bash
-# Development
-npx sqlew --config-path=.sqlew/dev.toml
-
-# Production
-npx sqlew --config-path=.sqlew/prod.toml
-```
-
----
-
-## Troubleshooting
-
-### Config File Not Found
-
-**Symptom:**
-```
-⚠️  Failed to load config file: .sqlew/config.toml
-   Error: ENOENT: no such file or directory
-   Using default configuration
-```
-
-**Solution:**
-1. Config file is optional - this is not an error
-2. Create config file if needed:
-   ```bash
-   cp .sqlew/config.toml.example .sqlew/config.toml
-   ```
-
-### Invalid TOML Syntax
-
-**Symptom:**
-```
-⚠️  Failed to load config file: .sqlew/config.toml
-   Error: Invalid TOML: Unexpected character at line 5
-   Using default configuration
-```
-
-**Solution:**
-1. Validate TOML syntax: https://www.toml-lint.com/
-2. Common errors:
-   ```toml
-   # ❌ Wrong: Missing quotes for strings with spaces
-   path = /path with spaces/db.db
-
-   # ✅ Correct: Quote strings with spaces
-   path = "/path with spaces/db.db"
-
-   # ❌ Wrong: Invalid boolean
-   ignore_weekend = yes
-
-   # ✅ Correct: Use true/false
-   ignore_weekend = true
-   ```
-
-### Values Not Applied
-
-**Symptom:** Changed config file but values not reflected
-
-**Solution:**
-1. **Check priority:** CLI args override config file
-   ```bash
-   # CLI wins over config file
-   npx sqlew --autodelete-message-hours=24
-   ```
-
-2. **Verify config loading:**
-   ```bash
-   # Check console output on startup
-   ✓ Loaded 7 config values from file
-   ```
-
-### Validation Warnings
-
-**Symptom:**
-```
-⚠️  Configuration validation warnings:
-   - autodelete.message_hours must be between 1 and 720 (30 days)
-```
-
-**Solution:**
-1. Check validation rules (see [Validation Rules](#validation-rules))
-2. Fix invalid values in config file
-3. Restart sqlew
-
-### Database Path Issues
-
-**Symptom:**
-```
-Error: SQLITE_CANTOPEN: unable to open database file
-```
-
-**Solution:**
-1. **Check path syntax:**
-   ```toml
-   # ❌ Wrong: Relative to config file location
-   path = "sqlew.db"
-
-   # ✅ Correct: Relative to project root
-   path = ".sqlew/sqlew.db"
-   ```
-
-2. **Use absolute paths for clarity:**
-   ```toml
-   path = "/absolute/path/to/database.db"
-   ```
-
-3. **Ensure directory exists:**
-   - sqlew auto-creates parent directory
-   - Check file permissions
-
-### Weekend-Aware Not Working
-
-**Symptom:** Weekend dates not skipped in retention
-
-**Solution:**
-1. **Check configuration:**
-   ```toml
-   [autodelete]
-   ignore_weekend = true  # Must be true, not "true"
-   ```
-
-2. **Test behavior:**
-   - Monday cleanup should reference Friday
-   - Not Saturday/Sunday
-
----
-
-## Related Documentation
-
-- **[Architecture](ARCHITECTURE.md)** - Database schema and system design
-- **[Tool Reference](TOOL_REFERENCE.md)** - MCP tool usage
-- **[Best Practices](BEST_PRACTICES.md)** - Configuration recommendations
-
----
-
-## Example Files
-
-### Minimal Configuration
-
-```toml
-# .sqlew/config.toml (minimal)
-[autodelete]
-ignore_weekend = true
-message_hours = 48
-```
-
-### Full Configuration with Comments
-
-See `.sqlew/config.toml.example` in project root for complete annotated example.
-
----
-
-**Last Updated:** v4.0.0 (2025-11-27)
+# sqlew Configuration Guide
+
+**Complete guide to configuring sqlew via CLI arguments and config files**
+
+## Table of Contents
+
+1. [Overview](#overview)
+2. [Configuration Priority](#configuration-priority)
+3. [Config File Format](#config-file-format)
+4. [Configuration Options](#configuration-options)
+5. [Setup Instructions](#setup-instructions)
+6. [Validation Rules](#validation-rules)
+7. [Runtime Configuration](#runtime-configuration)
+8. [Common Configurations](#common-configurations)
+9. [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
+
+---
+
+## Overview
+
+sqlew supports flexible configuration through two mechanisms:
+
+- **CLI arguments** - Override settings at startup (highest priority)
+- **Config file** (`.sqlew/config.toml`) - Persistent project settings
+
+### Why Use Config Files?
+
+**Benefits:**
+- ✅ **Persistent settings** - No need to specify CLI args every time
+- ✅ **Version control** - Commit config to share team settings
+- ✅ **Documentation** - Self-documenting project requirements
+- ✅ **Type safety** - TOML validation catches errors early
+- ✅ **Separation of concerns** - Config separate from code
+
+**When to use:**
+- Multi-developer projects with shared settings
+- Different settings per environment (dev/staging/prod)
+- Complex retention policies (weekend-aware, long retention)
+- Custom database locations
+
+---
+
+## Configuration Priority
+
+sqlew applies configuration in this order (highest to lowest priority):
+
+```
+1. CLI Arguments (--autodelete-message-hours=48)
+   ↓
+2. Config File (.sqlew/config.toml)
+   ↓
+3. Code Defaults (DEFAULT_CONFIG in types.ts)
+```
+
+**Example:**
+```toml
+# .sqlew/config.toml
+[autodelete]
+message_hours = 24
+```
+
+```bash
+# CLI overrides config file
+npx sqlew --autodelete-message-hours=48
+
+# Result: message_hours = 48 (CLI wins)
+```
+
+**After startup:**
+- CLI and config file values are merged
+- Settings are held in memory during runtime
+
+---
+
+## Config File Format
+
+### Location
+
+**Default path:** `.sqlew/config.toml` (relative to project root)
+
+**Custom path:** Specify via `--config-path` CLI argument
+```bash
+npx sqlew --config-path=config/custom.toml
+```
+
+### TOML Structure
+
+Config file uses TOML format with three sections:
+
+```toml
+[database]      # Database location
+[autodelete]    # Retention policies
+[tasks]         # Task management
+```
+
+### Complete Example
+
+```toml
+# sqlew Configuration File
+# Copy from .sqlew/config.toml.example and customize
+
+# ============================================================================
+# Database Settings
+# ============================================================================
+[database]
+# Database file path (relative to project root or absolute)
+# Default: ".sqlew/sqlew.db"
+path = ".sqlew/custom.db"
+# path = "/absolute/path/to/database.db"
+
+# ============================================================================
+# Auto-Deletion Settings
+# ============================================================================
+[autodelete]
+# Skip weekends when calculating retention periods
+# When true: 24 hours on Monday = previous Friday (skips Sat/Sun)
+# When false: 24 hours = exactly 24 hours ago
+# Default: false
+ignore_weekend = false
+
+# Message retention period in hours (1-720)
+# Messages older than this are automatically deleted
+# Default: 24 (1 day)
+message_hours = 24
+
+# File change history retention in days (1-365)
+# File changes older than this are automatically deleted
+# Default: 7 (1 week)
+file_history_days = 7
+
+# ============================================================================
+# Task Management Settings
+# ============================================================================
+[tasks]
+# Git-aware auto-complete (v3.4.0)
+# Enable automatic completion when all watched files are committed
+# Default: true
+git_auto_complete_enabled = true
+
+# Require all watched files to be committed for auto-complete
+# When true: All watched files must be committed (strict)
+# When false: At least one watched file committed (permissive)
+# Default: true
+require_all_files_committed = true
+
+# Notification threshold for stale waiting_review tasks (hours, 1-720)
+# Tasks stuck in 'waiting_review' longer than this → notification
+# Note: v3.4.0 removed auto-revert to 'todo' behavior
+# Default: 48 (2 days)
+stale_review_notification_hours = 48
+
+# Auto-archive done tasks after N days (1-365)
+# Tasks in 'done' status older than this are moved to 'archived'
+# Keeps task list clean while preserving history
+# Default: 2 (48 hours)
+auto_archive_done_days = 2
+
+# Stale detection threshold for 'in_progress' tasks (hours, 1-168)
+# Tasks stuck in 'in_progress' longer than this → move to 'waiting_review'
+# Helps recover from interrupted AI sessions
+# Default: 2 (2 hours)
+stale_hours_in_progress = 2
+
+# Stale detection threshold for 'waiting_review' tasks (hours, 1-720)
+# DEPRECATED in v3.4.0 (kept for backward compatibility)
+# No longer auto-reverts to 'todo' - use stale_review_notification_hours instead
+# Default: 24 (1 day)
+stale_hours_waiting_review = 24
+
+# Enable automatic stale detection
+# When true: Runs stale detection on startup and before task operations
+# When false: Stale detection disabled (manual only)
+# Default: true
+auto_stale_enabled = true
+```
+
+---
+
+## Configuration Options
+
+### Database Settings
+
+#### `database.path`
+
+**Description:** Database file location
+
+**Type:** String (file path)
+
+**Default:** `.sqlew/sqlew.db`
+
+**Examples:**
+```toml
+# Relative path (from project root)
+[database]
+path = ".sqlew/custom.db"
+
+# Absolute path
+path = "/var/data/sqlew/production.db"
+
+# Per-environment config
+path = ".sqlew/dev.db"    # development
+path = ".sqlew/prod.db"   # production
+```
+
+**CLI Override:**
+```bash
+npx sqlew /path/to/database.db
+```
+
+---
+
+### Auto-Deletion Settings
+
+#### `autodelete.ignore_weekend`
+
+**Description:** Skip weekends when calculating retention periods
+
+**Type:** Boolean
+
+**Default:** `false`
+
+**Behavior:**
+- `false`: Standard time-based (24h = 24 hours ago)
+- `true`: Skip weekends (24h on Monday = Friday 24h ago)
+
+**Use cases:**
+- Development teams (no work on weekends)
+- Business-hours-only projects
+- Preserve Friday context through Monday
+
+**Examples:**
+```toml
+[autodelete]
+# Preserve weekend context
+ignore_weekend = true
+message_hours = 24
+
+# Result on Monday 9am:
+# - false: Deletes messages before Sunday 9am
+# - true:  Deletes messages before Friday 9am (skips Sat/Sun)
+```
+
+**CLI Override:**
+```bash
+npx sqlew --autodelete-ignore-weekend
+npx sqlew --autodelete-ignore-weekend=true
+```
+
+#### `autodelete.message_hours`
+
+**Description:** Message retention period in hours
+
+**Type:** Integer (1-720)
+
+**Default:** `24` (1 day)
+
+**Range:** 1 hour to 720 hours (30 days)
+
+**Examples:**
+```toml
+[autodelete]
+message_hours = 1     # Aggressive cleanup (dev)
+message_hours = 24    # Default (1 day)
+message_hours = 168   # 1 week
+message_hours = 720   # 30 days (max)
+```
+
+**CLI Override:**
+```bash
+npx sqlew --autodelete-message-hours=48
+```
+
+#### `autodelete.file_history_days`
+
+**Description:** File change history retention in days
+
+**Type:** Integer (1-365)
+
+**Default:** `7` (1 week)
+
+**Range:** 1 day to 365 days (1 year)
+
+**Examples:**
+```toml
+[autodelete]
+file_history_days = 1    # Aggressive cleanup (dev)
+file_history_days = 7    # Default (1 week)
+file_history_days = 30   # 1 month
+file_history_days = 365  # 1 year (max)
+```
+
+**CLI Override:**
+```bash
+npx sqlew --autodelete-file-history-days=30
+```
+
+---
+
+### Task Management Settings
+
+#### `tasks.git_auto_complete_enabled`
+
+**Description:** Enable git-aware auto-complete for waiting_review tasks
+
+**Type:** Boolean
+
+**Default:** `true`
+
+**Behavior:**
+- `true`: Tasks in `waiting_review` auto-complete to `done` when all watched files are committed to git
+- `false`: Manual completion required (no git integration)
+
+**Use cases:**
+- Auto-completion based on git commits
+- Ensure work is properly tracked in version control
+- Reduce manual task management overhead
+
+**Examples:**
+```toml
+[tasks]
+# Enable git-aware auto-complete (default)
+git_auto_complete_enabled = true
+
+# Disable git-aware auto-complete
+git_auto_complete_enabled = false
+```
+
+**Configure via CLI arguments only**
+
+#### `tasks.require_all_files_committed`
+
+**Description:** Require all watched files to be committed before auto-complete
+
+**Type:** Boolean
+
+**Default:** `true`
+
+**Behavior:**
+- `true`: All watched files must be committed (strict mode)
+- `false`: At least one watched file committed triggers auto-complete (permissive mode)
+
+**Use cases:**
+- Strict mode: Ensure complete work is committed
+- Permissive mode: Allow partial commits to trigger completion
+
+**Examples:**
+```toml
+[tasks]
+# Require all watched files committed (strict - default)
+require_all_files_committed = true
+
+# Allow partial commits (permissive)
+require_all_files_committed = false
+```
+
+**Configure via CLI arguments only**
+
+#### `tasks.stale_review_notification_hours`
+
+**Description:** Notification threshold for stale waiting_review tasks (hours)
+
+**Type:** Integer (1-720)
+
+**Default:** `48` (2 days)
+
+**Range:** 1 hour to 720 hours (30 days)
+
+**Behavior:**
+- Tasks in `waiting_review` > threshold → generate notification
+- Does NOT auto-transition (removed in v3.4.0)
+- Helps identify tasks stuck in review
+
+**Examples:**
+```toml
+[tasks]
+stale_review_notification_hours = 24    # Notify after 1 day
+stale_review_notification_hours = 48    # Default (2 days)
+stale_review_notification_hours = 72    # Notify after 3 days
+stale_review_notification_hours = 168   # Notify after 1 week
+```
+
+**Configure via CLI arguments only**
+
+#### `tasks.auto_archive_done_days`
+
+**Description:** Auto-archive done tasks after N days
+
+**Type:** Integer (1-365)
+
+**Default:** `2` (48 hours)
+
+**Range:** 1 day to 365 days
+
+**Behavior:**
+- Tasks in `done` status older than threshold → `archived`
+- Keeps task board clean while preserving history
+- Archived tasks still queryable via `task` tool
+
+**Examples:**
+```toml
+[tasks]
+auto_archive_done_days = 1    # Quick cleanup (demo/dev)
+auto_archive_done_days = 2    # Default (48 hours)
+auto_archive_done_days = 7    # 1 week (production)
+auto_archive_done_days = 30   # Long retention
+```
+
+**Configure via CLI arguments only**
+
+#### `tasks.stale_hours_in_progress`
+
+**Description:** Stale detection threshold for `in_progress` tasks
+
+**Type:** Integer (1-168)
+
+**Default:** `2` (2 hours)
+
+**Range:** 1 hour to 168 hours (7 days)
+
+**Behavior:**
+- Tasks in `in_progress` > threshold → `waiting_review`
+- Helps recover from interrupted AI sessions
+- Runs on startup and before task operations
+
+**Examples:**
+```toml
+[tasks]
+stale_hours_in_progress = 1    # Aggressive (1 hour)
+stale_hours_in_progress = 2    # Default (2 hours)
+stale_hours_in_progress = 4    # Relaxed (4 hours)
+stale_hours_in_progress = 24   # Very relaxed (1 day)
+```
+
+**Configure via CLI arguments only**
+
+#### `tasks.stale_hours_waiting_review`
+
+**Description:** Stale detection threshold for `waiting_review` tasks
+
+**Type:** Integer (1-720)
+
+**Default:** `24` (1 day)
+
+**Range:** 1 hour to 720 hours (30 days)
+
+**Behavior:**
+- Tasks in `waiting_review` > threshold → `todo`
+- Prevents abandoned reviews from blocking workflow
+- Runs on startup and before task operations
+
+**Examples:**
+```toml
+[tasks]
+stale_hours_waiting_review = 8     # Aggressive (8 hours)
+stale_hours_waiting_review = 24    # Default (1 day)
+stale_hours_waiting_review = 48    # Relaxed (2 days)
+stale_hours_waiting_review = 168   # Very relaxed (1 week)
+```
+
+**Configure via CLI arguments only**
+
+#### `tasks.auto_stale_enabled`
+
+**Description:** Enable automatic stale detection
+
+**Type:** Boolean
+
+**Default:** `true`
+
+**Behavior:**
+- `true`: Runs stale detection on startup and before task operations
+- `false`: Stale detection disabled (manual only via MCP tool)
+
+**Examples:**
+```toml
+[tasks]
+# Enable auto-stale (default)
+auto_stale_enabled = true
+
+# Disable auto-stale (manual control only)
+auto_stale_enabled = false
+```
+
+**Configure via CLI arguments only**
+
+---
+
+## Setup Instructions
+
+### 1. Copy Example Config
+
+```bash
+# Navigate to project root
+cd /path/to/your/project
+
+# Copy example config
+cp .sqlew/config.toml.example .sqlew/config.toml
+```
+
+### 2. Customize Settings
+
+Edit `.sqlew/config.toml`:
+
+```toml
+[database]
+# Use custom database location
+path = ".sqlew/my-project.db"
+
+[autodelete]
+# Weekend-aware cleanup for development team
+ignore_weekend = true
+message_hours = 48
+file_history_days = 14
+
+[tasks]
+# Quick archival for fast-paced projects
+auto_archive_done_days = 1
+stale_hours_in_progress = 1
+stale_hours_waiting_review = 12
+```
+
+### 3. Version Control (Optional)
+
+```bash
+# Add to git (share team settings)
+git add .sqlew/config.toml
+git commit -m "Add sqlew configuration"
+
+# Or ignore (per-developer settings)
+echo ".sqlew/config.toml" >> .gitignore
+```
+
+### 4. Start sqlew
+
+```bash
+# Uses .sqlew/config.toml automatically
+npx sqlew
+
+# Or specify custom config path
+npx sqlew --config-path=config/custom.toml
+```
+
+### 5. Verify Configuration
+
+Check the console output on startup to verify configuration was loaded:
+
+```
+✓ Loaded 7 config values from file (.sqlew/config.toml)
+✓ Configuration merged with CLI arguments
+```
+
+Settings are loaded from config file and CLI arguments at startup.
+
+---
+
+## Validation Rules
+
+sqlew validates all configuration values on startup:
+
+### Auto-Deletion Rules
+
+| Setting | Min | Max | Default |
+|---------|-----|-----|---------|
+| `message_hours` | 1 | 720 | 24 |
+| `file_history_days` | 1 | 365 | 7 |
+
+**Validation errors:**
+```toml
+[autodelete]
+message_hours = 0      # ❌ Error: must be >= 1
+message_hours = 1000   # ❌ Error: must be <= 720
+```
+
+### Task Management Rules
+
+| Setting | Min | Max | Default |
+|---------|-----|-----|---------|
+| `auto_archive_done_days` | 1 | 365 | 2 |
+| `stale_hours_in_progress` | 1 | 168 | 2 |
+| `stale_hours_waiting_review` | 1 | 720 | 24 |
+
+**Validation errors:**
+```toml
+[tasks]
+stale_hours_in_progress = 0     # ❌ Error: must be >= 1
+stale_hours_in_progress = 200   # ❌ Error: must be <= 168
+```
+
+### Error Handling
+
+**On validation failure:**
+1. sqlew prints warnings to console
+2. Invalid values ignored
+3. Falls back to defaults
+4. Server continues to start
+
+**Example output:**
+```
+⚠️  Configuration validation warnings:
+   - autodelete.message_hours must be between 1 and 720 (30 days)
+   - tasks.stale_hours_in_progress must be between 1 and 168 (7 days)
+   Using default configuration
+```
+
+---
+
+## Runtime Configuration
+
+### Configuration Methods (v4.0.0)
+
+v4.0.0 uses **CLI arguments only** for configuration. The config MCP tool has been removed.
+
+**Configuration priority:**
+1. **CLI Arguments** - Highest priority, applied at startup
+2. **Config File** (.sqlew/config.toml) - Persistent project settings
+3. **Code Defaults** - Built-in defaults (lowest priority)
+
+### CLI Arguments (Recommended)
+
+Use CLI arguments for one-time overrides or environment-specific settings:
+
+```bash
+# Override specific settings at startup
+npx sqlew --autodelete-message-hours=48 --autodelete-ignore-weekend
+
+# Multiple arguments can be combined
+npx sqlew \
+  --db-path=.sqlew/prod.db \
+  --autodelete-ignore-weekend \
+  --autodelete-message-hours=168 \
+  --autodelete-file-history-days=30
+```
+
+**Available CLI arguments:**
+```bash
+--db-path=/path/to/database.db          # Database file location
+--autodelete-ignore-weekend              # Skip weekends in retention
+--autodelete-message-hours=N             # Message retention (1-720 hours)
+--autodelete-file-history-days=N         # File history retention (1-365 days)
+--config-path=/path/to/config.toml       # Custom config file location
+```
+
+### File-Based Configuration (Recommended)
+
+Edit `.sqlew/config.toml` directly for persistent settings:
+
+```toml
+[database]
+path = ".sqlew/custom.db"
+
+[autodelete]
+ignore_weekend = true
+message_hours = 48
+file_history_days = 14
+
+[tasks]
+git_auto_complete_enabled = true
+auto_archive_done_days = 2
+```
+
+**Benefits:**
+1. **Persistent** - Settings survive server restarts
+2. **Version control** - Commit config to git, share with team
+3. **Documentation** - Config file documents project requirements
+4. **Type safety** - TOML validation catches errors at startup
+
+### Applying Configuration Changes
+
+**To apply changes:**
+1. **Edit** `.sqlew/config.toml` or update CLI arguments
+2. **Restart** the MCP server (changes take effect on startup)
+3. **Verify** via console output showing loaded configuration
+
+Merged settings are held in memory during runtime.
+
+---
+
+## Common Configurations
+
+### Development (Aggressive Cleanup)
+
+**Use case:** Fast iteration, minimal data retention
+
+```toml
+[autodelete]
+ignore_weekend = false
+message_hours = 1
+file_history_days = 1
+
+[tasks]
+auto_archive_done_days = 1
+stale_hours_in_progress = 1
+stale_hours_waiting_review = 8
+auto_stale_enabled = true
+```
+
+### Production (Conservative Retention)
+
+**Use case:** Long-term projects, preserve history
+
+```toml
+[autodelete]
+ignore_weekend = false
+message_hours = 168     # 7 days
+file_history_days = 30
+
+[tasks]
+auto_archive_done_days = 7
+stale_hours_in_progress = 4
+stale_hours_waiting_review = 48
+auto_stale_enabled = true
+```
+
+### Weekend-Aware Workflow
+
+**Use case:** Developer teams (no weekend work)
+
+```toml
+[autodelete]
+ignore_weekend = true   # Skip weekends
+message_hours = 48
+file_history_days = 14
+
+[tasks]
+auto_archive_done_days = 2
+stale_hours_in_progress = 2
+stale_hours_waiting_review = 24
+auto_stale_enabled = true
+```
+
+### Manual Control (No Auto-Cleanup)
+
+**Use case:** Full control, manual cleanup only
+
+```toml
+[autodelete]
+ignore_weekend = false
+message_hours = 720     # Max retention (30 days)
+file_history_days = 365 # Max retention (1 year)
+
+[tasks]
+auto_archive_done_days = 365
+stale_hours_in_progress = 168    # 7 days (max)
+stale_hours_waiting_review = 720 # 30 days (max)
+auto_stale_enabled = false       # Disable auto-stale
+```
+
+### Multi-Environment Setup
+
+**Development:**
+```toml
+# .sqlew/dev.toml
+[database]
+path = ".sqlew/dev.db"
+
+[autodelete]
+message_hours = 1
+file_history_days = 1
+```
+
+**Production:**
+```toml
+# .sqlew/prod.toml
+[database]
+path = ".sqlew/prod.db"
+
+[autodelete]
+message_hours = 168
+file_history_days = 30
+```
+
+**Usage:**
+```bash
+# Development
+npx sqlew --config-path=.sqlew/dev.toml
+
+# Production
+npx sqlew --config-path=.sqlew/prod.toml
+```
+
+---
+
+## Troubleshooting
+
+### Config File Not Found
+
+**Symptom:**
+```
+⚠️  Failed to load config file: .sqlew/config.toml
+   Error: ENOENT: no such file or directory
+   Using default configuration
+```
+
+**Solution:**
+1. Config file is optional - this is not an error
+2. Create config file if needed:
+   ```bash
+   cp .sqlew/config.toml.example .sqlew/config.toml
+   ```
+
+### Invalid TOML Syntax
+
+**Symptom:**
+```
+⚠️  Failed to load config file: .sqlew/config.toml
+   Error: Invalid TOML: Unexpected character at line 5
+   Using default configuration
+```
+
+**Solution:**
+1. Validate TOML syntax: https://www.toml-lint.com/
+2. Common errors:
+   ```toml
+   # ❌ Wrong: Missing quotes for strings with spaces
+   path = /path with spaces/db.db
+
+   # ✅ Correct: Quote strings with spaces
+   path = "/path with spaces/db.db"
+
+   # ❌ Wrong: Invalid boolean
+   ignore_weekend = yes
+
+   # ✅ Correct: Use true/false
+   ignore_weekend = true
+   ```
+
+### Values Not Applied
+
+**Symptom:** Changed config file but values not reflected
+
+**Solution:**
+1. **Check priority:** CLI args override config file
+   ```bash
+   # CLI wins over config file
+   npx sqlew --autodelete-message-hours=24
+   ```
+
+2. **Verify config loading:**
+   ```bash
+   # Check console output on startup
+   ✓ Loaded 7 config values from file
+   ```
+
+### Validation Warnings
+
+**Symptom:**
+```
+⚠️  Configuration validation warnings:
+   - autodelete.message_hours must be between 1 and 720 (30 days)
+```
+
+**Solution:**
+1. Check validation rules (see [Validation Rules](#validation-rules))
+2. Fix invalid values in config file
+3. Restart sqlew
+
+### Database Path Issues
+
+**Symptom:**
+```
+Error: SQLITE_CANTOPEN: unable to open database file
+```
+
+**Solution:**
+1. **Check path syntax:**
+   ```toml
+   # ❌ Wrong: Relative to config file location
+   path = "sqlew.db"
+
+   # ✅ Correct: Relative to project root
+   path = ".sqlew/sqlew.db"
+   ```
+
+2. **Use absolute paths for clarity:**
+   ```toml
+   path = "/absolute/path/to/database.db"
+   ```
+
+3. **Ensure directory exists:**
+   - sqlew auto-creates parent directory
+   - Check file permissions
+
+### Weekend-Aware Not Working
+
+**Symptom:** Weekend dates not skipped in retention
+
+**Solution:**
+1. **Check configuration:**
+   ```toml
+   [autodelete]
+   ignore_weekend = true  # Must be true, not "true"
+   ```
+
+2. **Test behavior:**
+   - Monday cleanup should reference Friday
+   - Not Saturday/Sunday
+
+---
+
+## Related Documentation
+
+
+---
+
+## Example Files
+
+### Minimal Configuration
+
+```toml
+# .sqlew/config.toml (minimal)
+[autodelete]
+ignore_weekend = true
+message_hours = 48
+```
+
+### Full Configuration with Comments
+
+See `.sqlew/config.toml.example` in project root for complete annotated example.
+
+---
+
+**Last Updated:** v4.0.0 (2025-11-27)