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Review rules tell the Autter platform which team-specific standards to check on every pull request. Write rules in natural language. You do not need a repository YAML file or a regular expression to create a rule.

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Write an effective rule

A useful rule has three parts: Combined rule:
Payment handlers must verify that the authenticated account owns the payment method before creating a charge. Test fixtures are excluded.
Keep each rule focused on one decision. Split a rule when it contains several unrelated requirements.

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Good rule patterns

Use rules for standards that can be checked from code and repository context:
  • require tests for payment flows
  • route environment access through the validated configuration module
  • use design system tokens instead of raw color values
  • prevent direct database access from HTTP controllers
  • require authorization checks before account-scoped reads or writes
  • reject deprecated APIs outside an approved legacy path
Avoid rules such as “write good code” or “follow best practices.” They do not give Autter or the author a testable condition.

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Roll out a rule safely

1

Start from an existing review comment

Choose a standard your team already applies repeatedly.
2

Write one testable requirement

Include the scope, expected behavior, and important exceptions.
3

Apply it to a small repository set

Start where maintainers can evaluate findings quickly.
4

Review false positives

Refine the wording or scope when valid code is flagged.
5

Expand the rule

Apply it more broadly only after the output is consistently useful.
Available enforcement controls can vary by plan and platform release. Check the rule editor in your Autter organization for the controls currently available to you.