Some syntax errors fixed. Syntax checking added. Release checklist created.

RELEASE_CHECKLIST.md

@@ -0,0 +1,191 @@
+# Fenrir Release Validation Checklist
+
+This checklist ensures thorough validation before releasing Fenrir packages.
+
+## 🔧 Setup Tools (One-time setup)
+
+### Install Pre-commit Hook
+```bash
+# Safely install composite hook (preserves existing version management)
+./tools/install_validation_hook.sh
+
+# Test the hook
+./.git/hooks/pre-commit
+```
+
+### Validation Scripts
+- `tools/validate_syntax.py` - Python syntax validation
+- `tools/validate_release.py` - Comprehensive release validation  
+- `tools/cleanup_cache.py` - Remove Python cache files and directories
+- `tools/pre-commit-hook` - Git pre-commit validation
+
+## 📋 Pre-Release Checklist
+
+### 1. Code Quality Validation ✅
+```bash
+# Comprehensive release validation (includes syntax, imports, structure)
+python3 tools/validate_release.py
+
+# If issues found, try auto-fix
+python3 tools/validate_release.py --fix
+
+# Quick validation (skips slow dependency checks)
+python3 tools/validate_release.py --quick
+```
+
+**Expected Result**: All tests pass, no syntax errors
+
+### 2. Dependency Validation ✅
+```bash
+# Validate all dependencies are available
+python3 check-dependencies.py
+```
+
+**Expected Result**: All required dependencies reported as available
+
+### 3. Core Functionality Test ✅
+```bash
+# Test core imports (safe to run without sudo)
+cd src
+python3 -c "
+import fenrirscreenreader.core.fenrirManager
+import fenrirscreenreader.core.commandManager
+import fenrirscreenreader.core.eventManager
+print('Core imports successful')
+"
+cd ..
+```
+
+**Expected Result**: No import errors
+
+### 4. Installation Script Validation ✅
+```bash
+# Validate setup.py syntax
+python3 -m py_compile setup.py
+
+# Check setup.py can be parsed
+python3 setup.py --help-commands >/dev/null
+```
+
+**Expected Result**: No syntax errors, setup.py functional
+
+### 5. Configuration Validation ✅
+```bash
+# Verify config files exist and are parseable
+ls -la config/settings/settings.conf
+ls -la config/keyboard/desktop.conf
+ls -la config/punctuation/default.conf
+```
+
+**Expected Result**: All core config files present
+
+### 6. Manual Testing (User/Package Maintainer) ⚠️
+
+**Important**: These require user interaction as they need sudo access or specific hardware.
+
+```bash
+# Test basic functionality (ask user to run)
+sudo ./src/fenrir --help
+
+# Test in emulation mode (safer for desktop environments)  
+sudo ./src/fenrir -e --version
+
+# Quick functionality test (3-5 seconds)
+sudo timeout 5 ./src/fenrir -e -f || echo "Timeout reached (expected)"
+```
+
+**Expected Result**: No immediate crashes, basic help/version output works
+
+### 7. Package-Specific Validation ✅
+```bash
+# Test the same compilation process used by package managers
+python3 -m compileall src/fenrirscreenreader/ -q
+
+# Verify no __pycache__ permission issues
+find src/ -name "*.pyc" -delete
+find src/ -name "__pycache__" -delete
+```
+
+**Expected Result**: Clean compilation, no permission errors
+
+## 🚨 Known Issue Categories
+
+### Critical Issues (Block Release)
+- **Python syntax errors** (SyntaxError, unterminated strings)
+- **Missing core dependencies** (dbus-python, evdev, etc.)
+- **Import failures in core modules** (fenrirManager, commandManager)
+- **Missing critical config files** (settings.conf, desktop.conf)
+
+### Warning Issues (Address if Possible)
+- **PEP8 violations** (cosmetic, don't block release)
+- **Missing optional dependencies** (for specific features)
+- **Command structure issues** (missing methods in command files)
+- **Very long lines** (>120 characters)
+
+## 🔍 Root Cause Analysis
+
+### Why These Errors Weren't Caught Previously
+
+1. **No automated syntax validation** - The codebase relied on manual testing
+2. **No pre-commit hooks** - Syntax errors could be committed
+3. **No CI/CD pipeline** - Package compilation happens only during release
+4. **Manual PEP8 cleanup** - F-string refactoring introduced syntax errors during batch cleanup
+
+## 📖 Usage Instructions
+
+### For Developers
+```bash
+# Before committing changes
+git add .
+git commit  # Pre-commit hook will run automatically
+
+# Before creating tags/releases
+python3 tools/validate_release.py
+```
+
+### For Package Maintainers
+```bash
+# Before packaging
+python3 tools/validate_release.py
+
+# If validation fails
+python3 tools/validate_release.py --fix
+
+# Quick check (if dependencies are known good)
+python3 tools/validate_release.py --quick
+```
+
+### For Release Managers
+```bash
+# Complete validation before tagging
+python3 tools/validate_release.py
+
+# Manual verification (requires sudo)
+sudo ./src/fenrir --version
+
+# Tag release only after all validations pass
+git tag -a v2.x.x -m "Release v2.x.x"
+```
+
+## 🎯 Future Improvements
+
+### Recommended Additions
+1. **GitHub Actions CI/CD** - Automated validation on every push
+2. **Automated testing** - Unit tests for core functionality  
+3. **Integration testing** - Test driver interactions
+4. **Package testing** - Validate actual package installation
+
+### Modern Python Packaging
+- Consider migrating to `pyproject.toml` (PEP 621)
+- Use `build` instead of `setup.py` directly
+- Add `tox.ini` for multi-environment testing
+
+## 📞 Support
+
+If validation fails and auto-fix doesn't resolve issues:
+
+1. **Check the specific error messages** in validation output
+2. **Review recent commits** that might have introduced issues
+3. **Run individual validation steps** to isolate problems
+
+Remember: **Working code is better than perfect code** - especially for accessibility software where reliability is critical.

src/fenrirscreenreader/commands/commands/announce_fenrir_version.py

@@ -24,9 +24,8 @@ class command:
     def run(self):
         try:
             self.env["runtime"]["OutputManager"].present_text(
-                f"Fenrir screen reader version {
-                    fenrirVersion.version}-{
-                    fenrirVersion.code_name}",
+                f"Fenrir screen reader version "
+                f"{fenrirVersion.version}-{fenrirVersion.code_name}",
                 interrupt=True,
             )
         except Exception as e:

src/fenrirscreenreader/commands/vmenu-profiles/KEY/fenrir/management/reset_defaults.py

@@ -59,8 +59,7 @@ class command(config_command):
 
             except Exception as e:
                 self.present_text(
-                    f"Failed to reset configuration: {
-                        str(e)}",
+                    f"Failed to reset configuration: {str(e)}",
                     interrupt=False,
                     flush=False,
                 )

src/fenrirscreenreader/commands/vmenu-profiles/KEY/fenrir/management/revert_to_saved.py

@@ -34,8 +34,7 @@ class command:
                     SpeechDriver.initialize(self.env)
                 except Exception as e:
                     print(
-                        f"revert_to_saved SpeechDriver: Error reinitializing speech driver: {
-                            str(e)}"
+                        f"revert_to_saved SpeechDriver: Error reinitializing speech driver: {str(e)}"
                     )
 
             # Reinitialize sound system with restored settings

src/fenrirscreenreader/commands/vmenu-profiles/KEY/fenrir/speech/adjust_speech_rate.py

@@ -45,8 +45,7 @@ class command:
                 self.env["runtime"]["SpeechDriver"].set_rate(new_rate)
             except Exception as e:
                 print(
-                    f"adjust_speech_rate set_rate: Error setting speech rate: {
-                        str(e)}"
+                    f"adjust_speech_rate set_rate: Error setting speech rate: {str(e)}"
                 )
 
         new_percent = int(new_rate * 100)

src/fenrirscreenreader/core/dynamicVoiceMenu.py

@@ -29,9 +29,7 @@ class DynamicVoiceCommand:
     def run(self):
         try:
             self.env["runtime"]["OutputManager"].present_text(
-                f"Testing voice {
-                    self.voice} from {
-                    self.module}. Please wait.",
+                f"Testing voice {self.voice} from {self.module}. Please wait.",
                 interrupt=True,
             )
 

src/fenrirscreenreader/fenrirVersion.py

@@ -4,6 +4,6 @@
 # Fenrir TTY screen reader
 # By Chrys, Storm Dragon, and contributors.
 
-version = "2025.07.23"
+version = "2025.07.24"
 codeName = "testing"
 code_name = "testing"

tools/cleanup_cache.py

@@ -0,0 +1,288 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""
+Fenrir Cache Cleanup Tool
+
+Removes Python cache files and directories from the repository.
+These files should never be committed and can cause issues.
+
+Usage:
+    python3 tools/cleanup_cache.py                    # Show what would be removed
+    python3 tools/cleanup_cache.py --remove          # Actually remove cache files
+    python3 tools/cleanup_cache.py --check           # Exit with error if cache files found
+"""
+
+import os
+import sys
+import argparse
+import shutil
+from pathlib import Path
+
+
+class CacheCleanup:
+    def __init__(self, verbose=True):
+        self.verbose = verbose
+        self.cache_dirs = []
+        self.cache_files = []
+        
+    def log(self, message, level="INFO"):
+        """Log a message with appropriate formatting."""
+        if not self.verbose and level == "INFO":
+            return
+            
+        colors = {
+            "INFO": "\033[0;36m",     # Cyan
+            "SUCCESS": "\033[0;32m",  # Green
+            "WARNING": "\033[1;33m",  # Yellow
+            "ERROR": "\033[0;31m",    # Red
+            "HEADER": "\033[1;34m",   # Bold Blue
+        }
+        
+        reset = "\033[0m"
+        color = colors.get(level, "")
+        
+        if level == "HEADER":
+            print(f"\n{color}{'='*60}")
+            print(f"{message}")
+            print(f"{'='*60}{reset}")
+        else:
+            symbol = {
+                "SUCCESS": "✓",
+                "ERROR": "✗", 
+                "WARNING": "⚠",
+                "INFO": "•"
+            }.get(level, "•")
+            
+            print(f"{color}{symbol} {message}{reset}")
+    
+    def find_cache_files(self, directory):
+        """Find all Python cache files and directories."""
+        directory = Path(directory)
+        
+        for root, dirs, files in os.walk(directory):
+            root_path = Path(root)
+            
+            # Skip .git directory entirely
+            if '.git' in root_path.parts:
+                continue
+            
+            # Find __pycache__ directories
+            if '__pycache__' in dirs:
+                cache_dir = root_path / '__pycache__'
+                self.cache_dirs.append(cache_dir)
+                # Don't traverse into __pycache__ directories
+                dirs.remove('__pycache__')
+            
+            # Find .pyc files outside of __pycache__
+            for file in files:
+                if file.endswith('.pyc'):
+                    cache_file = root_path / file
+                    self.cache_files.append(cache_file)
+    
+    def show_findings(self):
+        """Display what cache files were found."""
+        total_items = len(self.cache_dirs) + len(self.cache_files)
+        
+        if total_items == 0:
+            self.log("No Python cache files found", "SUCCESS")
+            return True
+        
+        self.log(f"Found {total_items} cache items:", "WARNING")
+        
+        if self.cache_dirs:
+            self.log(f"\n__pycache__ directories ({len(self.cache_dirs)}):", "WARNING")
+            for cache_dir in sorted(self.cache_dirs):
+                # Show size of directory
+                size = self.get_directory_size(cache_dir)
+                self.log(f"  {cache_dir} ({size} files)", "WARNING")
+        
+        if self.cache_files:
+            self.log(f"\nLoose .pyc files ({len(self.cache_files)}):", "WARNING")
+            for cache_file in sorted(self.cache_files):
+                # Show file size
+                try:
+                    size = cache_file.stat().st_size
+                    size_str = self.format_size(size)
+                    self.log(f"  {cache_file} ({size_str})", "WARNING")
+                except OSError:
+                    self.log(f"  {cache_file} (size unknown)", "WARNING")
+        
+        return False
+    
+    def get_directory_size(self, directory):
+        """Get the number of files in a directory."""
+        try:
+            return len(list(directory.rglob('*')))
+        except OSError:
+            return 0
+    
+    def format_size(self, size_bytes):
+        """Format file size in human-readable format."""
+        if size_bytes < 1024:
+            return f"{size_bytes} B"
+        elif size_bytes < 1024 * 1024:
+            return f"{size_bytes // 1024} KB"
+        else:
+            return f"{size_bytes // (1024 * 1024)} MB"
+    
+    def remove_cache_files(self):
+        """Actually remove the cache files and directories."""
+        removed_count = 0
+        errors = []
+        
+        # Remove __pycache__ directories
+        for cache_dir in self.cache_dirs:
+            try:
+                if cache_dir.exists():
+                    shutil.rmtree(cache_dir)
+                    self.log(f"Removed directory: {cache_dir}", "SUCCESS")
+                    removed_count += 1
+            except OSError as e:
+                error_msg = f"Failed to remove {cache_dir}: {e}"
+                errors.append(error_msg)
+                self.log(error_msg, "ERROR")
+        
+        # Remove .pyc files
+        for cache_file in self.cache_files:
+            try:
+                if cache_file.exists():
+                    cache_file.unlink()
+                    self.log(f"Removed file: {cache_file}", "SUCCESS")
+                    removed_count += 1
+            except OSError as e:
+                error_msg = f"Failed to remove {cache_file}: {e}"
+                errors.append(error_msg)
+                self.log(error_msg, "ERROR")
+        
+        if errors:
+            self.log(f"Encountered {len(errors)} errors during cleanup", "ERROR")
+            return False
+        else:
+            self.log(f"Successfully removed {removed_count} cache items", "SUCCESS")
+            return True
+    
+    def check_gitignore(self):
+        """Check if .gitignore properly excludes cache files."""
+        gitignore_path = Path('.gitignore')
+        if not gitignore_path.exists():
+            self.log("Warning: No .gitignore file found", "WARNING")
+            return False
+        
+        try:
+            with open(gitignore_path, 'r') as f:
+                content = f.read()
+            
+            has_pycache = '__pycache__' in content or '__pycache__/' in content
+            has_pyc = '*.pyc' in content
+            
+            if has_pycache and has_pyc:
+                self.log("✓ .gitignore properly excludes Python cache files", "SUCCESS")
+                return True
+            else:
+                missing = []
+                if not has_pycache:
+                    missing.append("__pycache__/")
+                if not has_pyc:
+                    missing.append("*.pyc")
+                
+                self.log(f"Warning: .gitignore missing: {', '.join(missing)}", "WARNING")
+                return False
+                
+        except OSError as e:
+            self.log(f"Could not read .gitignore: {e}", "ERROR")
+            return False
+    
+    def suggest_gitignore_additions(self):
+        """Suggest additions to .gitignore."""
+        self.log("\nRecommended .gitignore entries for Python:", "INFO")
+        print("""
+# Byte-compiled / optimized / DLL files
+__pycache__/
+*.py[cod]
+*.so
+
+# Distribution / packaging
+.Python
+build/
+develop-eggs/
+dist/
+downloads/
+eggs/
+.eggs/
+lib/
+lib64/
+parts/
+sdist/
+var/
+wheels/
+*.egg-info/
+.installed.cfg
+*.egg
+""")
+
+
+def main():
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description='Clean Python cache files from Fenrir repository')
+    parser.add_argument('--remove', action='store_true',
+                       help='Actually remove cache files (default is dry-run)')
+    parser.add_argument('--check', action='store_true',
+                       help='Exit with non-zero code if cache files found')
+    parser.add_argument('--quiet', action='store_true',
+                       help='Reduce output verbosity')
+    parser.add_argument('--directory', default='.',
+                       help='Directory to scan (default: current directory)')
+    
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+    
+    # Ensure we're in the project root
+    if not Path("src/fenrirscreenreader").exists():
+        print("Error: Must be run from Fenrir project root directory")
+        sys.exit(1)
+    
+    cleanup = CacheCleanup(verbose=not args.quiet)
+    
+    cleanup.log("FENRIR CACHE CLEANUP", "HEADER")
+    cleanup.log(f"Scanning directory: {Path(args.directory).absolute()}")
+    
+    # Find cache files
+    cleanup.find_cache_files(args.directory)
+    
+    # Show what we found
+    no_cache_found = cleanup.show_findings()
+    
+    if no_cache_found:
+        # Check .gitignore anyway
+        cleanup.check_gitignore()
+        cleanup.log("\n✅ Repository is clean of Python cache files", "SUCCESS")
+        sys.exit(0)
+    
+    # Check .gitignore
+    gitignore_ok = cleanup.check_gitignore()
+    if not gitignore_ok:
+        cleanup.suggest_gitignore_additions()
+    
+    # Handle different modes
+    if args.remove:
+        cleanup.log("\n🧹 REMOVING CACHE FILES", "HEADER")
+        success = cleanup.remove_cache_files()
+        if success:
+            cleanup.log("\n✅ Cache cleanup completed successfully", "SUCCESS")
+            sys.exit(0)
+        else:
+            cleanup.log("\n❌ Cache cleanup completed with errors", "ERROR")
+            sys.exit(1)
+    
+    elif args.check:
+        cleanup.log("\n❌ Cache files found - validation failed", "ERROR")
+        cleanup.log("Run with --remove to clean up cache files", "INFO")
+        sys.exit(1)
+    
+    else:
+        # Dry run mode
+        cleanup.log("\n💡 DRY RUN MODE", "HEADER")
+        cleanup.log("Add --remove to actually delete these files", "INFO")
+        cleanup.log("Add --check to fail if cache files are present", "INFO")
+        sys.exit(0)
+
+
+if __name__ == '__main__':
+    main()

tools/clipboard_sync.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,105 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+
+# Fenrir X11 Clipboard Sync
+# Synchronizes between X11 clipboard and Fenrir clipboard file
+# Prevents loops using checksums and timestamps
+
+# Check for root privileges
+if [[ $(whoami) != "root" ]]; then
+    echo "Error: This script must be run as root to access Fenrir's clipboard file"
+    echo "Run with: sudo DISPLAY=:0 ./clipboard_sync.sh"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+FENRIR_CLIPBOARD_FILE="${1:-/tmp/fenrirClipboard}"
+STATE_FILE="/var/tmp/.fenrir_clipboard_state"
+
+# Simple state tracking without complex locking
+get_file_checksum() {
+    if [[ -f "$FENRIR_CLIPBOARD_FILE" ]]; then
+        md5sum "$FENRIR_CLIPBOARD_FILE" 2>/dev/null | cut -d' ' -f1
+    else
+        echo ""
+    fi
+}
+
+get_clipboard_checksum() {
+    xclip -o -selection clipboard 2>/dev/null | md5sum | cut -d' ' -f1
+}
+
+# Initialize state
+rm -f "$STATE_FILE" 2>/dev/null
+
+echo "Starting Fenrir clipboard sync..."
+echo "Monitoring file: $FENRIR_CLIPBOARD_FILE"
+
+# Check dependencies
+if ! command -v xclip >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+    echo "Error: xclip is required but not installed"
+    echo "Install with: sudo apt install xclip"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+if ! command -v inotifywait >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+    echo "Error: inotify-tools is required but not installed"
+    echo "Install with: sudo apt install inotify-tools"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Create clipboard file if it doesn't exist
+touch "$FENRIR_CLIPBOARD_FILE"
+
+echo "Starting Fenrir clipboard sync..."
+
+while true; do
+    # Read last state
+    if [[ -f "$STATE_FILE" ]]; then
+        read -r LAST_FILE_CHECKSUM LAST_CLIPBOARD_CHECKSUM LAST_UPDATE_TIME < "$STATE_FILE"
+    else
+        LAST_FILE_CHECKSUM=""
+        LAST_CLIPBOARD_CHECKSUM=""
+        LAST_UPDATE_TIME="0"
+    fi
+    
+    # Get current checksums
+    CURRENT_FILE_CHECKSUM=$(get_file_checksum)
+    CURRENT_CLIPBOARD_CHECKSUM=$(get_clipboard_checksum)
+    CURRENT_TIME=$(date +%s)
+    
+    # Skip update if we just made one (prevent immediate loops)
+    TIME_SINCE_LAST=$((CURRENT_TIME - LAST_UPDATE_TIME))
+    if [[ $TIME_SINCE_LAST -lt 3 ]]; then
+        sleep 1
+        continue
+    fi
+    
+    # Clipboard changed
+    if [[ "$CURRENT_CLIPBOARD_CHECKSUM" != "$LAST_CLIPBOARD_CHECKSUM" ]]; then
+        echo "X11 clipboard changed, updating file..."
+        if xclip -o -selection clipboard > "$FENRIR_CLIPBOARD_FILE" 2>/dev/null; then
+            CURRENT_FILE_CHECKSUM=$(get_file_checksum)
+            echo "$CURRENT_FILE_CHECKSUM $CURRENT_CLIPBOARD_CHECKSUM $CURRENT_TIME" > "$STATE_FILE"
+            echo "File updated successfully"
+        else
+            echo "Failed to update file from clipboard"
+        fi
+        sleep 1
+        continue
+    fi
+    
+    # File changed
+    if [[ "$CURRENT_FILE_CHECKSUM" != "$LAST_FILE_CHECKSUM" ]]; then
+        echo "Fenrir clipboard file changed, updating X11 clipboard..."
+        if cat "$FENRIR_CLIPBOARD_FILE" | xclip -i -selection clipboard 2>/dev/null; then
+            CURRENT_CLIPBOARD_CHECKSUM=$(get_clipboard_checksum)
+            echo "$CURRENT_FILE_CHECKSUM $CURRENT_CLIPBOARD_CHECKSUM $CURRENT_TIME" > "$STATE_FILE"
+            echo "X11 clipboard updated successfully"
+        else
+            echo "Failed to update clipboard from file"
+        fi
+        sleep 1
+        continue
+    fi
+    
+    sleep 1
+done

tools/install_validation_hook.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,110 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# Safe Installation of Fenrir Validation Hook
+#
+# This script safely installs the composite pre-commit hook that combines
+# your existing version management with new code quality validation.
+
+set -e
+
+# Colors for output
+GREEN='\033[0;32m'
+YELLOW='\033[1;33m'
+RED='\033[0;31m'
+BLUE='\033[1;34m'
+NC='\033[0m' # No Color
+
+echo -e "${BLUE}Fenrir Validation Hook Installation${NC}"
+echo "===================================="
+
+# Check we're in the right directory
+if [ ! -f "CLAUDE.md" ] || [ ! -d "src/fenrirscreenreader" ]; then
+    echo -e "${RED}Error: Must be run from Fenrir project root directory${NC}"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Check if there's already a pre-commit hook
+if [ -f ".git/hooks/pre-commit" ]; then
+    echo -e "\n${YELLOW}Existing pre-commit hook detected${NC}"
+    
+    # Check if it's a symlink (our validation hook) or a regular file (version hook)
+    if [ -L ".git/hooks/pre-commit" ]; then
+        echo -e "${YELLOW}Current hook appears to be our validation hook (symlink)${NC}"
+        read -p "Replace with composite hook that includes version management? (y/N): " -n 1 -r
+        echo
+        if [[ ! $REPLY =~ ^[Yy]$ ]]; then
+            echo -e "${YELLOW}Installation cancelled${NC}"
+            exit 0
+        fi
+        rm .git/hooks/pre-commit
+    else
+        echo -e "${GREEN}Current hook appears to be the version management hook (regular file)${NC}"
+        
+        # Back up the existing hook
+        backup_name=".git/hooks/pre-commit.backup.$(date +%Y%m%d_%H%M%S)"
+        cp .git/hooks/pre-commit "$backup_name"
+        echo -e "${GREEN}✓ Existing hook backed up to: $backup_name${NC}"
+        
+        # Verify the backup contains version management code
+        if grep -q "versionFile" "$backup_name"; then
+            echo -e "${GREEN}✓ Backup contains version management logic${NC}"
+        else
+            echo -e "${YELLOW}⚠ Backup doesn't appear to contain version management logic${NC}"
+            echo -e "${YELLOW}  You may need to manually restore version management functionality${NC}"
+        fi
+        
+        read -p "Install composite hook (version management + validation)? (Y/n): " -n 1 -r
+        echo
+        if [[ $REPLY =~ ^[Nn]$ ]]; then
+            echo -e "${YELLOW}Installation cancelled${NC}"
+            exit 0
+        fi
+    fi
+else
+    echo -e "${YELLOW}No existing pre-commit hook found${NC}"
+    read -p "Install composite hook? (Y/n): " -n 1 -r
+    echo
+    if [[ $REPLY =~ ^[Nn]$ ]]; then
+        echo -e "${YELLOW}Installation cancelled${NC}"
+        exit 0
+    fi
+fi
+
+# Install the composite hook
+echo -e "\n${YELLOW}Installing composite pre-commit hook...${NC}"
+cp tools/pre-commit-composite .git/hooks/pre-commit
+chmod +x .git/hooks/pre-commit
+echo -e "${GREEN}✓ Composite hook installed${NC}"
+
+# Test the hook
+echo -e "\n${YELLOW}Testing the composite hook...${NC}"
+if ./.git/hooks/pre-commit >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+    echo -e "${GREEN}✓ Composite hook test passed${NC}"
+else
+    echo -e "${RED}⚠ Composite hook test found issues (this may be normal)${NC}"
+    echo "  Run manually to see details: ./.git/hooks/pre-commit"
+fi
+
+# Final instructions
+echo -e "\n${GREEN}Installation Complete!${NC}"
+echo ""
+echo "Your composite pre-commit hook now provides:"
+echo "  1. ✓ Version management (existing functionality preserved)"
+echo "  2. ✓ Python syntax validation" 
+echo "  3. ✓ Core module import testing"
+echo "  4. ✓ Common issue detection"
+echo ""
+echo "Development workflow:"
+echo "  • Make your changes"
+echo "  • git add . && git commit"
+echo "  • Hook runs automatically (version update + validation)"
+echo ""
+echo "Manual validation (optional):"
+echo "  • python3 tools/validate_syntax.py --fix"
+echo "  • python3 tools/validate_release.py --quick"
+echo ""
+echo -e "${BLUE}Environment variables:${NC}"
+echo -e "${BLUE}  SKIP_VERSION_UPDATE=1    Skip version management${NC}"
+echo ""
+if [ -f ".git/hooks/pre-commit.backup."* ]; then
+    echo -e "${YELLOW}Note: Your original hook is backed up and can be restored if needed${NC}"
+fi

tools/pre-commit-composite

@@ -0,0 +1,231 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# Fenrir Composite Pre-commit Hook
+# 
+# This hook combines version management and code quality validation.
+# It first runs the version management logic, then runs validation.
+
+set -e
+
+# Colors for output
+RED='\033[0;31m'
+GREEN='\033[0;32m'
+YELLOW='\033[1;33m'
+BLUE='\033[1;34m'
+NC='\033[0m' # No Color
+
+echo -e "${BLUE}Fenrir Pre-commit Validation${NC}"
+echo "=================================="
+
+# Get the repository root
+REPO_ROOT=$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel)
+cd "$REPO_ROOT"
+
+# ============================================================================
+# PART 1: VERSION MANAGEMENT (existing logic)
+# ============================================================================
+
+echo -e "\n${YELLOW}1. Version Management...${NC}"
+
+# Check if SKIP_VERSION_UPDATE is set
+if [[ "${SKIP_VERSION_UPDATE}" = "1" ]]; then
+    echo -e "${YELLOW}Notice: Skipping version update due to SKIP_VERSION_UPDATE=1${NC}"
+else
+    # Verify .git/versionpath exists
+    if [[ ! -f ".git/versionpath" ]]; then
+        echo -e "${RED}Error: .git/versionpath not found. Please create it with contents:${NC}"
+        echo -e "${YELLOW}versionFile=\"path/to/your/version/file\"${NC}"
+        exit 1
+    fi
+
+    # Source the version path file
+    source ".git/versionpath"
+
+    # Validate that versionFile variable was set
+    if [[ -z "$versionFile" ]]; then
+        echo -e "${RED}Error: versionFile variable not set in .git/versionpath${NC}"
+        exit 1
+    fi
+
+    # Get current date components
+    year=$(date +%Y)
+    month=$(date +%m)
+    day=$(date +%d)
+
+    # Create new version string
+    newVersion="$year.$month.$day"
+
+    # Get current branch name
+    branchName=$(git rev-parse --abbrev-ref HEAD)
+
+    # Check if we're in the middle of a merge
+    if [[ -f ".git/MERGE_HEAD" ]]; then
+        echo -e "${YELLOW}Warning: In the middle of a merge. Skipping version update.${NC}"
+    else
+        # Check if file exists relative to git root
+        if [[ ! -f "$versionFile" ]]; then
+            echo -e "${RED}Error: Version file not found at $versionFile${NC}"
+            exit 1
+        fi
+
+        # Store original version file content
+        originalContent=$(cat "$versionFile")
+
+        # Check if version actually needs updating
+        if ! grep -q "version = \"$newVersion\"" "$versionFile"; then
+            # Update the version in the file
+            sed -i "s/version = [\"']\{0,1\}[0-9.]\+[\"']\{0,1\}/version = \"$newVersion\"/" "$versionFile"
+        fi
+
+        # Check if codeName exists and isn't "stable"
+        if grep -q "codeName.*=.*\"stable\"" "$versionFile"; then
+            # Don't modify stable codeName
+            :
+        elif grep -q "codeName.*=.*\"$branchName\"" "$versionFile"; then
+            # CodeName already matches branch name, no need to update
+            :
+        elif grep -q "codeName" "$versionFile"; then
+            # Update existing codeName
+            sed -i "s/codeName = [\"']\{0,1\}[^\"']*[\"']\{0,1\}/codeName = \"$branchName\"/" "$versionFile"
+        else
+            # Add codeName after the version line
+            sed -i "/version = / a\codeName = \"$branchName\"" "$versionFile"
+        fi
+
+        # Check if the file was actually modified
+        if [[ "$(cat "$versionFile")" != "$originalContent" ]]; then
+            echo -e "${GREEN}✓ Version file updated to $newVersion${NC}"
+            if ! git diff --cached --quiet "$versionFile"; then
+                echo -e "${YELLOW}Notice: Version file was already staged, updates made to staged version${NC}"
+            else
+                git add "$versionFile"
+                echo -e "${YELLOW}Notice: Version file has been staged${NC}"
+            fi
+        else
+            echo -e "${GREEN}✓ No version updates needed${NC}"
+        fi
+    fi
+fi
+
+# ============================================================================
+# PART 2: CODE QUALITY VALIDATION (our new logic)
+# ============================================================================
+
+echo -e "\n${YELLOW}2. Code Quality Validation...${NC}"
+
+# Track validation results
+VALIDATION_FAILED=0
+
+# 2a. Python Syntax Validation
+echo -e "\n${YELLOW}  2a. Validating Python syntax...${NC}"
+if python3 tools/validate_syntax.py --check-only >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+    echo -e "${GREEN}  ✓ Syntax validation passed${NC}"
+else
+    echo -e "${RED}  ✗ Syntax validation failed${NC}"
+    echo "     Run: python3 tools/validate_syntax.py --fix"
+    VALIDATION_FAILED=1
+fi
+
+# 2b. Check for common issues in modified files
+echo -e "\n${YELLOW}  2b. Checking modified files for common issues...${NC}"
+
+# Get list of staged files (all types)
+STAGED_FILES=$(git diff --cached --name-only --diff-filter=ACM || true)
+STAGED_PYTHON_FILES=$(echo "$STAGED_FILES" | grep '\.py$' || true)
+
+if [ -n "$STAGED_FILES" ]; then
+    ISSUES_FOUND=0
+    
+    # Check for cache files being committed
+    CACHE_FILES=$(echo "$STAGED_FILES" | grep -E '(__pycache__|\.pyc$)' || true)
+    if [ -n "$CACHE_FILES" ]; then
+        echo -e "${RED}  ✗ Python cache files staged for commit:${NC}"
+        echo "$CACHE_FILES" | while read cache_file; do
+            echo -e "${RED}    $cache_file${NC}"
+        done
+        echo -e "${RED}  ✗ Run: python3 tools/cleanup_cache.py --remove${NC}"
+        ISSUES_FOUND=1
+    fi
+    
+    # Check Python files for specific issues
+    if [ -n "$STAGED_PYTHON_FILES" ]; then
+        for file in $STAGED_PYTHON_FILES; do
+            if [ -f "$file" ]; then
+                # Check for unterminated strings (the main issue from the email)
+                if grep -n 'f".*{$' "$file" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+                    echo -e "${RED}  ✗ $file: Potential unterminated f-string${NC}"
+                    ISSUES_FOUND=1
+                fi
+                
+                # Check for missing imports that are commonly used
+                if grep -q 'debug\.DebugLevel\.' "$file" && ! grep -q 'from.*debug' "$file" && ! grep -q 'import.*debug' "$file"; then
+                    echo -e "${YELLOW}  ⚠ $file: Uses debug.DebugLevel but no debug import found${NC}"
+                fi
+            fi
+        done
+    fi
+    
+    if [ $ISSUES_FOUND -eq 0 ]; then
+        echo -e "${GREEN}  ✓ No common issues found in staged files${NC}"
+    else
+        echo -e "${RED}  ✗ Common issues found in staged files${NC}"
+        VALIDATION_FAILED=1
+    fi
+else
+    echo -e "${GREEN}  ✓ No files staged for commit${NC}"
+fi
+
+# 2c. Quick import test for core modules (informational only)
+echo -e "\n${YELLOW}  2c. Testing core module imports...${NC}"
+IMPORT_WARNINGS=0
+
+# Test core imports that are critical (but don't fail on import issues - might be dependency related)
+CORE_MODULES=(
+    "src.fenrirscreenreader.core.fenrirManager"
+    "src.fenrirscreenreader.core.commandManager" 
+    "src.fenrirscreenreader.core.eventManager"
+)
+
+cd src
+for module in "${CORE_MODULES[@]}"; do
+    if python3 -c "import $module" 2>/dev/null; then
+        echo -e "${GREEN}  ✓ $module${NC}"
+    else
+        echo -e "${YELLOW}  ⚠ $module (import failed - might be dependency related)${NC}"
+        IMPORT_WARNINGS=1
+    fi
+done
+cd "$REPO_ROOT"
+
+if [ $IMPORT_WARNINGS -eq 1 ]; then
+    echo -e "${YELLOW}  ⚠ Some core module imports failed (non-blocking)${NC}"
+    echo -e "${YELLOW}    This may be due to missing runtime dependencies${NC}"
+else
+    echo -e "${GREEN}  ✓ Core module imports successful${NC}"
+fi
+
+# ============================================================================
+# FINAL SUMMARY
+# ============================================================================
+
+echo -e "\n============================================================"
+if [ $VALIDATION_FAILED -eq 0 ]; then
+    echo -e "${GREEN}✓ All pre-commit validations passed${NC}"
+    echo -e "${GREEN}✓ Version management completed${NC}"
+    echo -e "${GREEN}✓ Code quality checks passed${NC}"
+    echo -e "${GREEN}Commit allowed to proceed${NC}"
+    
+    # Show skip option
+    echo -e "\n${BLUE}Tip: You can skip version updates with SKIP_VERSION_UPDATE=1${NC}"
+    exit 0
+else
+    echo -e "${RED}✗ Pre-commit validation failed${NC}"
+    echo -e "${RED}Commit blocked - please fix issues above${NC}"
+    echo ""
+    echo "Quick fixes:"
+    echo "  • Python syntax: python3 tools/validate_syntax.py --fix"
+    echo "  • Review flagged files manually"
+    echo "  • Re-run commit after fixes"
+    echo ""
+    echo -e "${BLUE}Note: Version management completed successfully${NC}"
+    exit 1
+fi

tools/pre-commit-hook

@@ -0,0 +1,143 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# Fenrir Pre-commit Hook
+# 
+# This hook validates Python syntax and basic code quality before commits.
+# Install with: ln -sf ../../tools/pre-commit-hook .git/hooks/pre-commit
+
+set -e
+
+# Colors for output
+RED='\033[0;31m'
+GREEN='\033[0;32m'
+YELLOW='\033[1;33m'
+NC='\033[0m' # No Color
+
+echo -e "${GREEN}Fenrir Pre-commit Validation${NC}"
+echo "=================================="
+
+# Get the repository root
+REPO_ROOT=$(git rev-parse --show-toplevel)
+cd "$REPO_ROOT"
+
+# Track validation results
+VALIDATION_FAILED=0
+
+# 1. Python Syntax Validation
+echo -e "\n${YELLOW}1. Validating Python syntax...${NC}"
+if python3 tools/validate_syntax.py --check-only; then
+    echo -e "${GREEN}✓ Syntax validation passed${NC}"
+else
+    echo -e "${RED}✗ Syntax validation failed${NC}"
+    echo "Run: python3 tools/validate_syntax.py --fix"
+    VALIDATION_FAILED=1
+fi
+
+# 2. Check for common issues in modified files
+echo -e "\n${YELLOW}2. Checking modified files for common issues...${NC}"
+
+# Get list of staged Python files
+STAGED_PYTHON_FILES=$(git diff --cached --name-only --diff-filter=ACM | grep '\.py$' || true)
+
+if [ -n "$STAGED_PYTHON_FILES" ]; then
+    ISSUES_FOUND=0
+    
+    for file in $STAGED_PYTHON_FILES; do
+        if [ -f "$file" ]; then
+            # Check for unterminated strings (the main issue from the email)
+            if grep -n 'f".*{$' "$file" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+                echo -e "${RED}✗ $file: Potential unterminated f-string${NC}"
+                ISSUES_FOUND=1
+            fi
+            
+            # Check for missing imports that are commonly used
+            if grep -q 'debug\.DebugLevel\.' "$file" && ! grep -q 'from.*debug' "$file" && ! grep -q 'import.*debug' "$file"; then
+                echo -e "${YELLOW}⚠ $file: Uses debug.DebugLevel but no debug import found${NC}"
+            fi
+            
+            # Check for extremely long lines (over 120 chars) that might indicate issues
+            if awk 'length($0) > 120 {print NR ": " $0; exit 1}' "$file" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+                # Only warn, don't fail
+                line_num=$(awk 'length($0) > 120 {print NR; exit}' "$file")
+                echo -e "${YELLOW}⚠ $file:$line_num: Very long line (>120 chars)${NC}"
+            fi
+        fi
+    done
+    
+    if [ $ISSUES_FOUND -eq 0 ]; then
+        echo -e "${GREEN}✓ No common issues found in modified files${NC}"
+    else
+        echo -e "${RED}✗ Common issues found in modified files${NC}"
+        VALIDATION_FAILED=1
+    fi
+else
+    echo -e "${GREEN}✓ No Python files modified${NC}"
+fi
+
+# 3. Quick import test for core modules
+echo -e "\n${YELLOW}3. Testing core module imports...${NC}"
+IMPORT_FAILED=0
+
+# Test core imports that are critical
+CORE_MODULES=(
+    "src.fenrirscreenreader.core.fenrirManager"
+    "src.fenrirscreenreader.core.commandManager" 
+    "src.fenrirscreenreader.core.eventManager"
+)
+
+cd src
+for module in "${CORE_MODULES[@]}"; do
+    if python3 -c "import $module" 2>/dev/null; then
+        echo -e "${GREEN}✓ $module${NC}"
+    else
+        echo -e "${RED}✗ $module (import failed)${NC}"
+        IMPORT_FAILED=1
+    fi
+done
+cd "$REPO_ROOT"
+
+if [ $IMPORT_FAILED -eq 1 ]; then
+    echo -e "${RED}✗ Core module import test failed${NC}"
+    VALIDATION_FAILED=1
+else
+    echo -e "${GREEN}✓ Core module imports successful${NC}"
+fi
+
+# 4. Check for secrets or sensitive data
+echo -e "\n${YELLOW}4. Checking for potential secrets...${NC}"
+SECRETS_FOUND=0
+
+if [ -n "$STAGED_PYTHON_FILES" ]; then
+    for file in $STAGED_PYTHON_FILES; do
+        if [ -f "$file" ]; then
+            # Check for potential passwords, keys, tokens
+            if grep -i -E '(password|passwd|pwd|key|token|secret|api_key).*=.*["\'][^"\']{8,}["\']' "$file" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+                echo -e "${RED}✗ $file: Potential hardcoded secret detected${NC}"
+                SECRETS_FOUND=1
+            fi
+        fi
+    done
+fi
+
+if [ $SECRETS_FOUND -eq 0 ]; then
+    echo -e "${GREEN}✓ No potential secrets found${NC}"
+else
+    echo -e "${RED}✗ Potential secrets found - please review${NC}"
+    VALIDATION_FAILED=1
+fi
+
+# Summary
+echo -e "\n${'='*50}"
+if [ $VALIDATION_FAILED -eq 0 ]; then
+    echo -e "${GREEN}✓ All pre-commit validations passed${NC}"
+    echo -e "${GREEN}Commit allowed to proceed${NC}"
+    exit 0
+else
+    echo -e "${RED}✗ Pre-commit validation failed${NC}"
+    echo -e "${RED}Commit blocked - please fix issues above${NC}"
+    echo ""
+    echo "Quick fixes:"
+    echo "  • Python syntax: python3 tools/validate_syntax.py --fix"
+    echo "  • Review flagged files manually"
+    echo "  • Re-run commit after fixes"
+    exit 1
+fi

tools/setup_validation.sh

@@ -0,0 +1,97 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# Fenrir Validation Setup Script
+#
+# Sets up the validation tools and pre-commit hooks for Fenrir development.
+# Run this once after cloning the repository.
+
+set -e
+
+# Colors for output
+GREEN='\033[0;32m'
+YELLOW='\033[1;33m'
+RED='\033[0;31m'
+NC='\033[0m' # No Color
+
+echo -e "${GREEN}Fenrir Development Environment Setup${NC}"
+echo "======================================"
+
+# Check we're in the right directory
+if [ ! -f "CLAUDE.md" ] || [ ! -d "src/fenrirscreenreader" ]; then
+    echo -e "${RED}Error: Must be run from Fenrir project root directory${NC}"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
+# Make validation scripts executable
+echo -e "\n${YELLOW}1. Making validation scripts executable...${NC}"
+chmod +x tools/validate_syntax.py
+chmod +x tools/validate_release.py
+chmod +x tools/cleanup_cache.py
+chmod +x tools/pre-commit-hook
+chmod +x tools/install_validation_hook.sh
+chmod +x tools/pre-commit-composite
+echo -e "${GREEN}✓ Scripts are now executable${NC}"
+
+# Install pre-commit hook
+echo -e "\n${YELLOW}2. Installing composite pre-commit hook...${NC}"
+echo -e "${YELLOW}This preserves existing version management functionality.${NC}"
+
+# Use the safe installation script
+if ./tools/install_validation_hook.sh; then
+    echo -e "${GREEN}✓ Composite pre-commit hook installed${NC}"
+else
+    echo -e "${RED}⚠ Hook installation encountered issues${NC}"
+    echo "  You can install manually with: ./tools/install_validation_hook.sh"
+fi
+
+# Test validation tools
+echo -e "\n${YELLOW}3. Testing validation tools...${NC}"
+
+# Test syntax validator
+if python3 tools/validate_syntax.py --check-only >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+    echo -e "${GREEN}✓ Syntax validator working${NC}"
+else
+    echo -e "${RED}⚠ Syntax validator found issues${NC}"
+    echo "  Run: python3 tools/validate_syntax.py --fix"
+fi
+
+# Test pre-commit hook
+if ./tools/pre-commit-hook >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+    echo -e "${GREEN}✓ Pre-commit hook working${NC}"
+else
+    echo -e "${RED}⚠ Pre-commit hook found issues${NC}"
+    echo "  This is normal if there are uncommitted changes"
+fi
+
+# Verify dependencies for full validation
+echo -e "\n${YELLOW}4. Checking validation dependencies...${NC}"
+missing_deps=()
+
+if ! command -v python3 >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+    missing_deps+=("python3")
+fi
+
+if ! python3 -c "import ast" >/dev/null 2>&1; then
+    missing_deps+=("python3-ast")
+fi
+
+if [ ${#missing_deps[@]} -eq 0 ]; then
+    echo -e "${GREEN}✓ All validation dependencies available${NC}"
+else
+    echo -e "${RED}Missing dependencies: ${missing_deps[*]}${NC}"
+fi
+
+# Final instructions
+echo -e "\n${GREEN}Setup complete!${NC}"
+echo ""
+echo "Development workflow:"
+echo "  1. Make your changes"
+echo "  2. python3 tools/validate_syntax.py --fix"
+echo "  3. python3 tools/validate_release.py --quick" 
+echo "  4. git add . && git commit (pre-commit hook runs automatically)"
+echo ""
+echo "Before releases:"
+echo "  python3 tools/validate_release.py"
+echo "  cat RELEASE_CHECKLIST.md"
+echo ""
+echo -e "${YELLOW}Tip: The pre-commit hook will now run automatically on every commit${NC}"
+echo -e "${YELLOW}     and prevent syntax errors from being committed.${NC}"

tools/validate_release.py

@@ -0,0 +1,459 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""
+Fenrir Release Validation Tool
+
+Comprehensive validation suite for Fenrir releases, including syntax validation,
+dependency checking, import testing, and basic functionality validation.
+
+Usage:
+    python3 tools/validate_release.py                    # Full validation
+    python3 tools/validate_release.py --quick           # Skip slow tests
+    python3 tools/validate_release.py --fix             # Auto-fix issues where possible
+"""
+
+import ast
+import os
+import sys
+import argparse
+import subprocess
+import tempfile
+import importlib.util
+from pathlib import Path
+import time
+
+
+class ReleaseValidator:
+    def __init__(self, verbose=True):
+        self.verbose = verbose
+        self.errors = []
+        self.warnings = []
+        self.fixes_applied = []
+        self.tests_run = 0
+        self.tests_passed = 0
+        
+    def log(self, message, level="INFO"):
+        """Log a message with appropriate formatting."""
+        if not self.verbose and level == "INFO":
+            return
+            
+        colors = {
+            "INFO": "\033[0;36m",     # Cyan
+            "SUCCESS": "\033[0;32m",  # Green
+            "WARNING": "\033[1;33m",  # Yellow
+            "ERROR": "\033[0;31m",    # Red
+            "HEADER": "\033[1;34m",   # Bold Blue
+        }
+        
+        reset = "\033[0m"
+        color = colors.get(level, "")
+        
+        if level == "HEADER":
+            print(f"\n{color}{'='*60}")
+            print(f"{message}")
+            print(f"{'='*60}{reset}")
+        else:
+            symbol = {
+                "SUCCESS": "✓",
+                "ERROR": "✗", 
+                "WARNING": "⚠",
+                "INFO": "•"
+            }.get(level, "•")
+            
+            print(f"{color}{symbol} {message}{reset}")
+    
+    def run_test(self, name, test_func, *args, **kwargs):
+        """Run a test and track results."""
+        self.tests_run += 1
+        try:
+            result = test_func(*args, **kwargs)
+            if result:
+                self.tests_passed += 1
+                self.log(f"{name}: PASSED", "SUCCESS")
+            else:
+                self.log(f"{name}: FAILED", "ERROR")
+            return result
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.log(f"{name}: ERROR - {e}", "ERROR")
+            self.errors.append(f"{name}: {e}")
+            return False
+    
+    def validate_python_syntax(self, directory, fix_mode=False):
+        """Validate Python syntax across all files."""
+        python_files = list(Path(directory).rglob("*.py"))
+        # Filter out cache and build directories
+        python_files = [f for f in python_files if not any(part.startswith(('__pycache__', '.git', 'build', 'dist')) for part in f.parts)]
+        
+        syntax_errors = []
+        fixed_files = []
+        
+        for filepath in python_files:
+            try:
+                with open(filepath, 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
+                    content = f.read()
+                ast.parse(content, filename=str(filepath))
+            except SyntaxError as e:
+                syntax_errors.append((filepath, e))
+                
+                if fix_mode:
+                    # Try to fix common f-string issues
+                    fixed_content = self.fix_fstring_issues(content)
+                    if fixed_content != content:
+                        try:
+                            ast.parse(fixed_content, filename=str(filepath))
+                            # Fix worked, write it back
+                            with open(filepath, 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
+                                f.write(fixed_content)
+                            fixed_files.append(filepath)
+                            syntax_errors.pop()  # Remove from errors
+                        except SyntaxError:
+                            pass  # Fix didn't work
+            except Exception as e:
+                syntax_errors.append((filepath, e))
+        
+        if fixed_files:
+            self.fixes_applied.extend([f"Fixed f-string syntax in {f}" for f in fixed_files])
+        
+        if syntax_errors:
+            for filepath, error in syntax_errors[:5]:  # Show only first 5
+                if isinstance(error, SyntaxError):
+                    self.errors.append(f"Syntax error in {filepath}:{error.lineno}: {error.msg}")
+                else:
+                    self.errors.append(f"Error in {filepath}: {error}")
+            if len(syntax_errors) > 5:
+                self.errors.append(f"... and {len(syntax_errors) - 5} more syntax errors")
+        
+        return len(syntax_errors) == 0
+    
+    def fix_fstring_issues(self, content):
+        """Fix common f-string syntax issues."""
+        lines = content.split('\n')
+        
+        for i, line in enumerate(lines):
+            # Look for f-strings that span multiple lines incorrectly
+            if ('f"' in line and line.count('"') % 2 == 1 and 
+                i + 1 < len(lines) and lines[i + 1].strip()):
+                
+                next_line = lines[i + 1]
+                # Common patterns to fix
+                if (next_line.strip().endswith('}"') or 
+                    'str(e)}' in next_line or
+                    next_line.strip().startswith(('fenrirVersion.', 'self.'))):
+                    
+                    # Merge the lines properly
+                    fixed_line = line.rstrip() + next_line.strip()
+                    lines[i] = fixed_line
+                    lines[i + 1] = ''
+        
+        return '\n'.join(line for line in lines if line.strip() or not line)
+    
+    def validate_dependencies(self):
+        """Run the existing dependency checker."""
+        try:
+            result = subprocess.run([
+                sys.executable, "check-dependencies.py"
+            ], capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=30)
+            
+            if result.returncode == 0:
+                return True
+            else:
+                self.errors.append(f"Dependency check failed: {result.stderr}")
+                return False
+        except subprocess.TimeoutExpired:
+            self.errors.append("Dependency check timed out")
+            return False
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.errors.append(f"Could not run dependency check: {e}")
+            return False
+    
+    def validate_core_imports(self):
+        """Test importing core Fenrir modules."""
+        # Change to src directory for imports
+        original_path = sys.path.copy()
+        src_dir = Path.cwd() / "src"
+        if src_dir.exists():
+            sys.path.insert(0, str(src_dir))
+        
+        core_modules = [
+            "fenrirscreenreader.core.fenrirManager",
+            "fenrirscreenreader.core.commandManager",
+            "fenrirscreenreader.core.eventManager",
+            "fenrirscreenreader.core.screenManager",
+            "fenrirscreenreader.core.inputManager",
+            "fenrirscreenreader.core.outputManager",
+        ]
+        
+        import_failures = []
+        
+        for module_name in core_modules:
+            try:
+                importlib.import_module(module_name)
+            except ImportError as e:
+                import_failures.append(f"{module_name}: {e}")
+            except Exception as e:
+                import_failures.append(f"{module_name}: Unexpected error: {e}")
+        
+        # Restore path
+        sys.path = original_path
+        
+        if import_failures:
+            self.errors.extend(import_failures)
+            return False
+        return True
+    
+    def validate_command_structure(self):
+        """Validate command file structure and naming."""
+        commands_dir = Path("src/fenrirscreenreader/commands")
+        if not commands_dir.exists():
+            self.errors.append("Commands directory not found")
+            return False
+        
+        issues = []
+        
+        # Check command directories
+        expected_dirs = ["commands", "onHeartBeat", "onKeyInput", "onCursorChange", 
+                        "onScreenUpdate", "onScreenChanged", "vmenu-profiles"]
+        
+        for expected_dir in expected_dirs:
+            if not (commands_dir / expected_dir).exists():
+                issues.append(f"Missing expected directory: {expected_dir}")
+        
+        # Check for critical issues only (skip template files and base classes)
+        for py_file in commands_dir.rglob("*.py"):
+            if (py_file.name.startswith("__") or 
+                "template" in py_file.name.lower() or
+                "base" in py_file.name.lower()):
+                continue
+                
+            try:
+                with open(py_file, 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
+                    content = f.read()
+                
+                # Critical structure checks only
+                if "class command" not in content:
+                    issues.append(f"{py_file}: Missing 'class command' definition")
+                
+                # Skip method checks for files that inherit from base classes
+                if ("super().__init__" in content or 
+                    "importlib.util" in content or
+                    "_base.py" in content):
+                    continue  # These inherit methods from base classes
+                
+                # Only check direct implementations
+                # Special case: Application profile commands use load/unload instead of run
+                if "onSwitchApplicationProfile" in str(py_file):
+                    if "def load" not in content and "def unload" not in content:
+                        issues.append(f"{py_file}: Missing 'load' or 'unload' method")
+                else:
+                    critical_methods = ["run"]  # Focus on the most critical method
+                    for method in critical_methods:
+                        if (f"def {method}" not in content and 
+                            "super()" not in content):  # Skip if uses inheritance
+                            issues.append(f"{py_file}: Missing '{method}' method")
+                        
+            except Exception as e:
+                issues.append(f"{py_file}: Could not validate structure: {e}")
+        
+        # Only report critical issues, not template/base class warnings
+        critical_issues = [issue for issue in issues if not any(skip in issue.lower() 
+                          for skip in ["template", "base", "missing 'initialize'", "missing 'shutdown'"])]
+        
+        if critical_issues:
+            self.warnings.extend(critical_issues[:5])  # Limit warnings
+            if len(critical_issues) > 5:
+                self.warnings.append(f"... and {len(critical_issues) - 5} more critical command structure issues")
+        
+        # Return success if no critical issues (warnings are acceptable)
+        return len(critical_issues) == 0
+    
+    def validate_configuration_files(self):
+        """Validate configuration file structure."""
+        config_dir = Path("config")
+        if not config_dir.exists():
+            self.errors.append("Config directory not found")
+            return False
+        
+        required_configs = [
+            "settings/settings.conf",
+            "keyboard/desktop.conf", 
+            "punctuation/default.conf"
+        ]
+        
+        missing_configs = []
+        for config_file in required_configs:
+            if not (config_dir / config_file).exists():
+                missing_configs.append(config_file)
+        
+        if missing_configs:
+            self.errors.extend([f"Missing config file: {f}" for f in missing_configs])
+            return False
+        
+        return True
+    
+    def validate_installation_scripts(self):
+        """Validate installation and setup scripts."""
+        required_scripts = ["setup.py", "install.sh", "uninstall.sh"]
+        missing_scripts = []
+        
+        for script in required_scripts:
+            if not Path(script).exists():
+                missing_scripts.append(script)
+        
+        if missing_scripts:
+            self.warnings.extend([f"Missing installation script: {s}" for s in missing_scripts])
+        
+        # Check setup.py syntax if it exists
+        if Path("setup.py").exists():
+            try:
+                with open("setup.py", 'r') as f:
+                    content = f.read()
+                ast.parse(content, filename="setup.py")
+            except SyntaxError as e:
+                self.errors.append(f"setup.py syntax error: {e}")
+                return False
+        
+        return len(missing_scripts) == 0
+    
+    def validate_repository_cleanliness(self):
+        """Check for cache files and other artifacts that shouldn't be in git."""
+        # Check for Python cache files in git tracking
+        try:
+            result = subprocess.run([
+                "git", "ls-files", "--cached"
+            ], capture_output=True, text=True, timeout=10)
+            
+            if result.returncode == 0:
+                tracked_files = result.stdout.strip().split('\n')
+                cache_files = [f for f in tracked_files if '__pycache__' in f or f.endswith('.pyc')]
+                
+                if cache_files:
+                    self.errors.extend([f"Python cache file tracked in git: {f}" for f in cache_files[:5]])
+                    if len(cache_files) > 5:
+                        self.errors.append(f"... and {len(cache_files) - 5} more cache files in git")
+                    return False
+                else:
+                    return True
+            else:
+                self.warnings.append("Could not check git tracked files")
+                return True
+                
+        except subprocess.TimeoutExpired:
+            self.warnings.append("Git check timed out")
+            return True
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.warnings.append(f"Could not check repository cleanliness: {e}")
+            return True
+    
+    def generate_report(self):
+        """Generate final validation report."""
+        self.log("FENRIR RELEASE VALIDATION REPORT", "HEADER")
+        
+        # Test Summary
+        success_rate = (self.tests_passed / self.tests_run * 100) if self.tests_run > 0 else 0
+        self.log(f"Tests run: {self.tests_run}")
+        self.log(f"Tests passed: {self.tests_passed}")
+        self.log(f"Success rate: {success_rate:.1f}%")
+        
+        # Fixes Applied
+        if self.fixes_applied:
+            self.log("\nAUTO-FIXES APPLIED:", "HEADER")
+            for fix in self.fixes_applied:
+                self.log(fix, "SUCCESS")
+        
+        # Errors
+        if self.errors:
+            self.log(f"\nERRORS ({len(self.errors)}):", "HEADER")
+            for error in self.errors:
+                self.log(error, "ERROR")
+        
+        # Warnings  
+        if self.warnings:
+            self.log(f"\nWARNINGS ({len(self.warnings)}):", "HEADER")
+            for warning in self.warnings:
+                self.log(warning, "WARNING")
+        
+        # Final Status
+        if not self.errors and success_rate >= 80:
+            self.log("\n🎉 RELEASE VALIDATION PASSED", "SUCCESS")
+            self.log("The codebase appears ready for release", "SUCCESS")
+            return True
+        elif not self.errors:
+            self.log("\n⚠️ RELEASE VALIDATION PASSED WITH WARNINGS", "WARNING")
+            self.log("Release is possible but issues should be addressed", "WARNING")
+            return True
+        else:
+            self.log("\n❌ RELEASE VALIDATION FAILED", "ERROR")
+            self.log("Critical issues must be fixed before release", "ERROR")
+            return False
+
+
+def main():
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description='Comprehensive Fenrir release validation')
+    parser.add_argument('--quick', action='store_true',
+                       help='Skip slow tests (dependency checking)')
+    parser.add_argument('--fix', action='store_true',
+                       help='Attempt to fix issues automatically where possible')
+    parser.add_argument('--quiet', action='store_true',
+                       help='Reduce output verbosity')
+    
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+    
+    # Ensure we're in the project root
+    if not Path("src/fenrirscreenreader").exists():
+        print("Error: Must be run from Fenrir project root directory")
+        sys.exit(1)
+    
+    validator = ReleaseValidator(verbose=not args.quiet)
+    
+    validator.log("FENRIR RELEASE VALIDATION STARTING", "HEADER")
+    start_time = time.time()
+    
+    # Run validation tests
+    validator.run_test(
+        "Python syntax validation",
+        validator.validate_python_syntax,
+        "src/fenrirscreenreader",
+        args.fix
+    )
+    
+    if not args.quick:
+        validator.run_test(
+            "Dependency validation", 
+            validator.validate_dependencies
+        )
+    
+    validator.run_test(
+        "Core module imports",
+        validator.validate_core_imports
+    )
+    
+    validator.run_test(
+        "Command structure validation",
+        validator.validate_command_structure
+    )
+    
+    validator.run_test(
+        "Configuration files validation",
+        validator.validate_configuration_files
+    )
+    
+    validator.run_test(
+        "Installation scripts validation",
+        validator.validate_installation_scripts
+    )
+    
+    validator.run_test(
+        "Repository cleanliness validation",
+        validator.validate_repository_cleanliness
+    )
+    
+    # Generate final report
+    elapsed_time = time.time() - start_time
+    validator.log(f"\nValidation completed in {elapsed_time:.1f} seconds")
+    
+    success = validator.generate_report()
+    
+    sys.exit(0 if success else 1)
+
+
+if __name__ == '__main__':
+    main()

tools/validate_syntax.py

@@ -0,0 +1,236 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""
+Fenrir Syntax Validation Tool
+
+Validates Python syntax across the entire Fenrir codebase without writing
+cache files. Designed to catch syntax errors before packaging or releases.
+
+Usage:
+    python3 tools/validate_syntax.py                    # Validate all Python files
+    python3 tools/validate_syntax.py --fix             # Fix common issues automatically
+    python3 tools/validate_syntax.py --check-only      # Exit with non-zero if errors found
+"""
+
+import ast
+import os
+import sys
+import argparse
+import tempfile
+from pathlib import Path
+
+
+class SyntaxValidator:
+    def __init__(self):
+        self.errors = []
+        self.warnings = []
+        self.fixed = []
+        
+    def validate_file(self, filepath):
+        """Validate syntax of a single Python file."""
+        try:
+            with open(filepath, 'r', encoding='utf-8') as f:
+                content = f.read()
+            
+            # Parse with AST (catches syntax errors)
+            ast.parse(content, filename=str(filepath))
+            return True, content
+            
+        except SyntaxError as e:
+            error_msg = f"{filepath}:{e.lineno}: {e.msg}"
+            self.errors.append((filepath, e, content))
+            return False, content
+            
+        except UnicodeDecodeError as e:
+            error_msg = f"{filepath}: Unicode decode error: {e}"
+            self.errors.append((filepath, e, None))
+            return False, None
+            
+        except Exception as e:
+            error_msg = f"{filepath}: Unexpected error: {e}"
+            self.errors.append((filepath, e, None))
+            return False, None
+    
+    def fix_common_issues(self, filepath, content):
+        """Attempt to fix common syntax issues automatically."""
+        if not content:
+            return False, content
+            
+        original_content = content
+        fixed_issues = []
+        
+        # Fix unterminated f-strings (the main issue from the email)
+        lines = content.split('\n')
+        modified = False
+        
+        for i, line in enumerate(lines):
+            # Look for f-strings that span multiple lines incorrectly
+            if 'f"' in line and line.count('"') % 2 == 1:
+                # Check if this looks like a broken multi-line f-string
+                indent = len(line) - len(line.lstrip())
+                
+                # Look ahead for continuation
+                j = i + 1
+                while j < len(lines) and lines[j].strip():
+                    next_line = lines[j]
+                    next_indent = len(next_line) - len(next_line.lstrip())
+                    
+                    # If next line is indented more and has closing brace/quote
+                    if (next_indent > indent and 
+                        ('"' in next_line or '}' in next_line)):
+                        
+                        # Try to fix by joining lines properly
+                        combined_line = line.rstrip()
+                        continuation = next_line.strip()
+                        
+                        if continuation.startswith(('"', '}', 'str(e)', 'self.', 'fenrirVersion.')):
+                            # Fix common patterns
+                            if 'str(e)}' in continuation:
+                                fixed_line = line.replace('f"', 'f"').rstrip() + '{' + continuation.replace('"', '') + '}'
+                            elif continuation.startswith('"'):
+                                fixed_line = line + continuation
+                            else:
+                                fixed_line = line.rstrip() + continuation
+                            
+                            lines[i] = fixed_line
+                            lines[j] = ''  # Remove the continuation line
+                            modified = True
+                            fixed_issues.append(f"Line {i+1}: Fixed multi-line f-string")
+                    break
+                    j += 1
+        
+        if modified:
+            content = '\n'.join(lines)
+            # Clean up empty lines that were created
+            content = '\n'.join(line for line in content.split('\n') if line.strip() or not line)
+            
+            # Verify the fix worked
+            try:
+                ast.parse(content, filename=str(filepath))
+                self.fixed.append((filepath, fixed_issues))
+                return True, content
+            except SyntaxError:
+                # Fix didn't work, return original
+                return False, original_content
+        
+        return False, content
+    
+    def scan_directory(self, directory, fix_mode=False):
+        """Scan directory for Python files and validate them."""
+        python_files = []
+        
+        # Find all Python files
+        for root, dirs, files in os.walk(directory):
+            # Skip cache and build directories
+            dirs[:] = [d for d in dirs if not d.startswith(('__pycache__', '.git', 'build', 'dist'))]
+            
+            for file in files:
+                if file.endswith('.py'):
+                    python_files.append(Path(root) / file)
+        
+        print(f"Validating {len(python_files)} Python files...")
+        
+        valid_count = 0
+        fixed_count = 0
+        
+        for filepath in sorted(python_files):
+            is_valid, content = self.validate_file(filepath)
+            
+            if is_valid:
+                valid_count += 1
+                print(f"✓ {filepath}")
+            else:
+                print(f"✗ {filepath}")
+                
+                if fix_mode and content:
+                    # Try to fix the file
+                    was_fixed, fixed_content = self.fix_common_issues(filepath, content)
+                    if was_fixed:
+                        # Write the fixed content back
+                        with open(filepath, 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
+                            f.write(fixed_content)
+                        print(f"  → Fixed automatically")
+                        fixed_count += 1
+                        
+                        # Re-validate
+                        is_valid_now, _ = self.validate_file(filepath)
+                        if is_valid_now:
+                            valid_count += 1
+        
+        return valid_count, len(python_files), fixed_count
+    
+    def print_summary(self, valid_count, total_count, fixed_count=0):
+        """Print validation summary."""
+        print(f"\n{'='*60}")
+        print(f"SYNTAX VALIDATION SUMMARY")
+        print(f"{'='*60}")
+        print(f"Valid files:     {valid_count}/{total_count}")
+        print(f"Invalid files:   {total_count - valid_count}")
+        if fixed_count > 0:
+            print(f"Auto-fixed:      {fixed_count}")
+        
+        if self.errors:
+            print(f"\nERRORS ({len(self.errors)}):")
+            for filepath, error, _ in self.errors:
+                if isinstance(error, SyntaxError):
+                    print(f"  {filepath}:{error.lineno}: {error.msg}")
+                else:
+                    print(f"  {filepath}: {error}")
+        
+        if self.fixed:
+            print(f"\nAUTO-FIXES APPLIED ({len(self.fixed)}):")
+            for filepath, fixes in self.fixed:
+                print(f"  {filepath}:")
+                for fix in fixes:
+                    print(f"    - {fix}")
+        
+        success_rate = (valid_count / total_count) * 100 if total_count > 0 else 0
+        print(f"\nSuccess rate: {success_rate:.1f}%")
+        
+        return len(self.errors) == 0
+
+
+def main():
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(description='Validate Python syntax in Fenrir codebase')
+    parser.add_argument('--fix', action='store_true', 
+                       help='Attempt to fix common syntax issues automatically')
+    parser.add_argument('--check-only', action='store_true',
+                       help='Exit with non-zero code if syntax errors found')
+    parser.add_argument('--directory', default='src/fenrirscreenreader',
+                       help='Directory to scan (default: src/fenrirscreenreader)')
+    
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+    
+    # Find project root
+    script_dir = Path(__file__).parent
+    project_root = script_dir.parent
+    target_dir = project_root / args.directory
+    
+    if not target_dir.exists():
+        print(f"Error: Directory {target_dir} does not exist")
+        sys.exit(1)
+    
+    print(f"Fenrir Syntax Validator")
+    print(f"Target directory: {target_dir}")
+    print(f"Fix mode: {'ON' if args.fix else 'OFF'}")
+    print()
+    
+    validator = SyntaxValidator()
+    valid_count, total_count, fixed_count = validator.scan_directory(target_dir, fix_mode=args.fix)
+    
+    all_valid = validator.print_summary(valid_count, total_count, fixed_count)
+    
+    if args.check_only and not all_valid:
+        print(f"\nValidation failed: {total_count - valid_count} files have syntax errors")
+        sys.exit(1)
+    elif not all_valid:
+        print(f"\nWarning: {total_count - valid_count} files have syntax errors")
+        if not args.fix:
+            print("Run with --fix to attempt automatic fixes")
+        sys.exit(1)
+    else:
+        print(f"\n✓ All {total_count} files have valid syntax")
+        sys.exit(0)
+
+
+if __name__ == '__main__':
+    main()