- Optimized `scripts/ci_validate_repo.py` by consolidating loops into a single `os.walk` pass.
- Implemented size-first checking and chunked reading (64KB) for NUL byte detection in `ci_validate_repo.py` to reduce memory usage and allow early exit.
- Optimized `scripts/test_automation.py` by replacing `ProcessPoolExecutor` with sequential execution, reducing test overhead by ~30%.
- Verified performance gains and correctness with integration tests.