Explain what a link checker can and cannot find
Explains how link checkers work, which problems they miss, and how to set one up so it does not overload your site.
Task:
Explain how a link checker works and what kinds of broken links it can miss.
Context:
I run [site type] with about [number of pages] pages on [platform]. I have used [tool or none] before. My level with web basics is [beginner, intermediate or advanced].
Rules:
- Describe the crawl in plain steps, from the start page to the report.
- Cover what usually slips through, such as links built by scripts, pages behind a login, links that load but show the wrong content, and servers that block checkers.
- Explain why a checker should be pointed only at my own site or one I have permission to test, and how to limit its speed.
- Do not claim features of any named tool. Say what to look for in a tool.
Result:
Five short paragraphs of at most 50 words each, then a checklist of four settings I should check before the first run.