Add configuration options for filtering

**Problem**
When working with lib, the error messages could be more descriptive.

**Suggestion**
Improve error handling and add detailed error messages.

**Context**
This would help with debugging and maintenance.

Start by reading the files under lib that handle configuration and errors. Clarify whether the requested work is filtering options, more descriptive error messages, or both. Done means the required behavior and error output are specified and covered by the relevant project checks.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.