feat(windows): icon, windowed exe, no-admin installer

- PyInstaller exe built windowed (console=False) with package/testium.ico
  as the embedded icon (BMP entries for shell compatibility).
- Suppress stray subprocess console windows in the frozen Windows build via
  paths.no_window_kwargs() (CREATE_NO_WINDOW); wheel/source unchanged.
  Applied to py_process, lua_process, bins probes, sys_app_path_win.
- New per-user Inno Setup installer (package/innosetup/): no admin,
  version-scoped AppId/dir so versions install side-by-side, one Start
  Menu entry per version, .ico shipped for shortcut/uninstall icons.
- DESIGN.md + release_note.txt updated.

Co-Authored-By: Claude Opus 4.8 (1M context) <noreply@anthropic.com>

DESIGN.md

@@ -97,6 +97,15 @@ All dialog items (`dialog_image`, `dialog_question`, `dialog_references`, `dialo
 - For the live stream (terminal in batch / GUI panel), prefixes every line emitted from a branch's thread with `[<branch_name>] ` so concurrent branches stay readable.
 - Exposes `write` / `writeln` / `flush` (Python 3.14's `unittest` calls `stream.writeln()` directly without `_WritelnDecorator`).
 
+### Subprocess RPC startup handshake (py_func / lua_func / eval_proc)
+
+The parent ↔ subprocess JSON-RPC link runs over a localhost TCP socket. The **subprocess** owns the port: it binds `port 0` (OS-assigned), `listen()`s, then prints `__TESTIUM_RPC_PORT__=<port>` on stdout (constant `RPC_PORT_SENTINEL` in `runtime/jrpc.py`). The parent reads that line (`proc_drain.drain_and_read_port` + `wait_for_port`, deadline `gd("proc_start_timeout", 30)`) and only *then* connects — the server is guaranteed to be listening, so the connect succeeds on the first attempt.
+
+This replaced the previous fragile scheme (parent reserved a port via `bind(0)`+close, child re-bound the same port, parent connected on a timing guess) which broke intermittently on Windows: cold-start/antivirus variance pushed the worker past the connect deadline, and `connect()` to a not-yet-listening localhost port *times out* (≈1 s) instead of refusing, exhausting the retry budget. Notes:
+- The server no longer sets `SO_REUSEADDR` (a fresh ephemeral port needs no TIME_WAIT override; on Windows it would enable port hijacking).
+- `JsonRpcBase.wait_ready()` always settles (event set on success **and** failure) and returns the actual connection outcome — a connect failure no longer hangs a `wait_ready()` caller.
+- Non-sentinel subprocess stdout/stderr is still forwarded to the parent log (early-startup errors stay visible).
+
 ### Subprocess API contract (py_func / lua_func)
 
 User test scripts running inside a `py_func` or `lua_func` subprocess **must** use the JSON-RPC bridge to interact with testium state:
@@ -115,7 +124,7 @@ To add a new API call usable from subprocesses:
 `src/testium/interpreter/utils/bins.py` — single source of truth for the paths to the external Python and Lua interpreters used by subprocesses.
 
 - `python_bin()` / `lua_bin()` : resolve and cache. The cache is keyed by `(name, override)` so that a later change to `gd[python_bin]` (typically when a `param.yaml` sets the key) triggers a re-resolution on the next lookup instead of returning the stale auto-discovered path. Falls back to discovery on PATH (candidates: `python3`/`python` and `lua`/`lua5.5`/`lua5.4`/`lua5.3`/`lua5.2`/`lua5.1`).
-- `ensure(*names)` : called by `TestSet._validate_runtime_deps()` at test load. Always requires `python` (the eval engine always runs); requires `lua` only if a `lua_func` item is in the tree. Fails fast with a clear error citing tried candidates and override key.
+- `ensure(*names)` : called by `TestSet._validate_runtime_deps()` at test load. Always requires `python` (the eval engine always runs); requires `lua` only if a `lua_func` item is in the tree. Fails fast with a clear error citing tried candidates and override key. Also **publishes** each resolved path into gd (`python_bin` / `lua_bin`) when the key is unset, so test scripts can reference `$(python_bin)` / `$(lua_bin)` regardless of launch mode (e.g. GUI, where no `-d` override is passed). A user-provided value is never overwritten.
 
 Engines (`PyProcessBase`, `LuaProcessBase`, `EvalExecEngine`) call `bins.python_bin()`/`bins.lua_bin()` themselves — call sites never pass an explicit binary path.
 
@@ -217,7 +226,8 @@ Four distribution channels coexist, all sharing the single `src/testium/` packag
 | Channel | Where | Build | Notes |
 |---------|-------|-------|-------|
 | Wheel (`pip install`) | `src/pyproject.toml` | `python -m build` | Vanilla Python package; entry point `testium = "testium:main"`. |
-| PyInstaller binary | `package/pyinstaller/` | `build.sh` | Single ~130 MB binary. `py_func`, `runtime`, `lua_func` bundled at `_MEIPASS` root so the **host** Python can find them when launched as `python3 py_func`. `api`/`interpreter` are **not** exposed (subprocess isolation). |
+| PyInstaller binary | `package/pyinstaller/` | `build.sh` | Single ~130 MB binary. `py_func`, `runtime`, `lua_func` bundled at `_MEIPASS` root so the **host** Python can find them when launched as `python3 py_func`. `api`/`interpreter` are **not** exposed (subprocess isolation). Built windowed (`console=False`) with `package/testium.ico` as the exe icon — see "Windows frozen build". |
+| Windows installer | `package/innosetup/` | `build.ps1` (Inno Setup 6) | Wraps the PyInstaller exe. Per-user, **no admin** (`PrivilegesRequired=lowest`, installs under `%LOCALAPPDATA%`). Version-scoped `AppId` + install dir so versions coexist side-by-side; one Start Menu entry per version. |
 | Flatpak | `package/flatpak/` | `build.sh` (uses `flatpak-builder`) | KDE 6.10 runtime. The bundled Python runs only the main process; `py_func` / `lua_func` MUST run under the **host** interpreter (no Python/Lua bundled). Produces a distributable `.flatpak` bundle. |
 | AppImage | `package/appimage/` | `build.sh` (Debian Bookworm container via Podman/Docker) | Bundles Python 3.11 for the main process; `py_func` / `lua_func` MUST run under the **host** interpreter. Build runs in a container so it works on Arch / any non-Debian host. |
 
@@ -248,6 +258,19 @@ The bundled Python (Flatpak's runtime python, AppImage's `python3.11`) is reserv
 - If the host has no python3/lua, `ensure()` raises `ETUMRuntimeError` at test load with the candidate list — no silent fallback to a bundled interpreter.
 - `py_process.py` additionally pops `PYTHONUSERBASE` (set to `/var/data/python` by the Flatpak runtime, which would hide `~/.local/lib/...`).
 
+### Windows frozen build: no console, hidden subprocess windows
+
+The PyInstaller exe is built **windowed** (`console=False` in `testium.spec`) so a
+double-click doesn't open a console. The catch: a windowed process has **no console
+to inherit**, so every console subprocess it spawns (the `py_func`/`lua_func` host
+Python bridges — the otherwise-permanent window — plus the `where`/`which`/`--version`
+probes) opens its **own** console window. `paths.no_window_kwargs()` returns
+`{"creationflags": CREATE_NO_WINDOW}` on a frozen Windows build (and `{}` everywhere
+else, so the **wheel/source** keeps its console and child output stays visible). It is
+applied at every spawn site: `py_process.py`, `lua_process.py`, `bins._run_probe`,
+`paths.sys_app_path_win`. `termconsole.py` is intentionally exempt (it already hides
+`cmd.exe` via `STARTUPINFO`).
+
 ### Declarative test item parameters
 
 Each `TestItem` subclass declares its accepted parameters as a class attribute `PARAMS = ParamSet(Param(...), ...)` (`interpreter/utils/param_decl.py`). The descriptor carries the parameter name, *kind* (`SCALAR` — the default and may be omitted; `LIST`; `BLOCK`; `Enum("a", "b", ...)`), `required` flag, `default`, and free-form `doc`. There is **no Python type** in the descriptor on purpose: most parameter values are expressions (`$(...)` / `<| ... |>`) whose effective type is only known after expansion, so a static type would be misleading. Post-expansion `validate=lambda v: ...` callbacks are available as an opt-in for the rare cases where a runtime check is warranted (e.g. a specific format).
@@ -279,6 +302,7 @@ The `testium_assist` editor extension is a thin LSP client that spawns `testium
 Both Flatpak and AppImage export `TESTIUM_VERSION` from a launcher (Flatpak: launcher script in `org.testium.Testium.yaml`; AppImage: `runtime.env` in `AppImageBuilder.yml`). `get_testium_version()` checks `/.flatpak-info` / `APPIMAGE` and reads `TESTIUM_VERSION` rather than relying on package metadata or repo introspection.
 
 ## Recent fixes / notable changes
+- Subprocess RPC startup handshake: the `py_func`/`lua_func`/`eval_proc` worker now picks its own port (`bind 0`), announces it on stdout (`__TESTIUM_RPC_PORT__=`), and the parent connects only after reading it. Fixes intermittent Windows `failed to connect : timeout` and the matching `wait_ready()` hang; removes the reserve/close/rebind race and `SO_REUSEADDR`. See "Subprocess RPC startup handshake".
 - `build_all.sh`: builds the four heavy channels in parallel (serial prep for the shared venv + wheel), results in completion order, Ctrl+C kills the whole job tree; `--ram` puts the build scratch on tmpfs (`/dev/shm`) + skips UPX for fast builds on USB/SD storage (Flatpak excluded — rofiles-fuse can't mount tmpfs). See the "Building all channels" section.
 - LSP across packaging channels: `testium lsp` (and the `testium_assist` editor extension that spawns it) now works from source, wheel, PyInstaller, Flatpak and AppImage. Two enablers — (1) action items declare a class-level `ACTIONS = {key: class}` registry (like `PARAMS`), so `lsp/schema.py` builds the full schema from class attributes with no `inspect.getsource`/AST (which broke under frozen PyInstaller); (2) the `[lsp]` extra (pygls) is wired into every full-app channel. `test/validation/lsp_check.py`, run by `run.sh` before the suite, asserts per-channel that `schema` keeps its actions and `lsp` answers `initialize`. See the matching architecture sections.
 - Declarative test item parameters (v0.2): each `TestItem` subclass exposes a `PARAMS = ParamSet(...)` class attribute consumed by the base `__init__`. Catches unknown YAML keys (typo warnings listing the accepted names) and missing required params (load-time errors with `.tum` context). Lays the schema foundation for a future LSP server and auto-generated manual sections. See the matching architecture section.

doc/manual/sphinx/source/test_items/let_test_item.rst

@@ -9,9 +9,9 @@ This element is of the following form:
     - let:
         name: Let Item
         values:
-            - key1: value1
-            - key2: value2
-            - key3: <| $(variable)[$(loop_index)] |>
+            key1: value1
+            key2: value2
+            key3: <| $(variable)[$(loop_index)] |>
 
 The ``let`` element is used to set values in the global directory.
 

doc/manual/sphinx/source/tum_syntax.rst

@@ -51,8 +51,8 @@ The parameter file can be specified in the `.tum` file root:
     :caption: configuration files definition in the main `.tum` test file
 
     config_file:
-        - config1.yaml
-        - config2.yaml
+        config1.yaml
+        config2.yaml
 
     main:
         name: Test example

package/innosetup/build.ps1

@@ -0,0 +1,31 @@
+# Build the Testium installer from testium.iss (needs Inno Setup 6 / ISCC.exe).
+# Install ISCC without admin: winget install --id JRSoftware.InnoSetup -e
+
+$ErrorActionPreference = 'Stop'
+$scriptDir = Split-Path -Parent $MyInvocation.MyCommand.Path
+
+# The PyInstaller exe must exist first.
+$exe = Join-Path $scriptDir '..\pyinstaller\dist\testium.exe'
+if (-not (Test-Path $exe)) {
+    throw "PyInstaller build not found: $exe`nRun package\pyinstaller\build first."
+}
+
+# Locate ISCC.exe: PATH, then the usual install dirs.
+$iscc = (Get-Command ISCC.exe -ErrorAction SilentlyContinue).Source
+if (-not $iscc) {
+    foreach ($p in @(
+        "$env:LOCALAPPDATA\Programs\Inno Setup 6\ISCC.exe",
+        "${env:ProgramFiles(x86)}\Inno Setup 6\ISCC.exe",
+        "$env:ProgramFiles\Inno Setup 6\ISCC.exe")) {
+        if (Test-Path $p) { $iscc = $p; break }
+    }
+}
+if (-not $iscc) {
+    throw "ISCC.exe not found. Install Inno Setup 6:`n    winget install --id JRSoftware.InnoSetup -e"
+}
+
+Write-Host "Using ISCC: $iscc"
+& $iscc (Join-Path $scriptDir 'testium.iss')
+if ($LASTEXITCODE -ne 0) { throw "ISCC failed with exit code $LASTEXITCODE" }
+
+Write-Host "`nInstaller built in: $(Join-Path $scriptDir 'dist')"

package/innosetup/testium.iss

@@ -0,0 +1,127 @@
+; Inno Setup script: wraps the PyInstaller testium.exe into a per-user installer.
+; Build with Inno Setup 6: ISCC.exe testium.iss (or ./build.ps1).
+
+#define MyAppName "Testium"
+#define MyAppExeName "testium.exe"
+#define MyAppPublisher "Testium"
+#define MyAppURL "https://github.com/"
+
+; Read version from src/VERSION so the installer never drifts from the build.
+#define VerFile FileOpen("..\..\src\VERSION")
+#define MyAppVersion Trim(FileRead(VerFile))
+#expr FileClose(VerFile)
+#if MyAppVersion == ""
+  #error Could not read version from ..\..\src\VERSION
+#endif
+
+[Setup]
+; Version-scoped AppId: each version is a distinct app, installable side-by-side.
+AppId={{B7E6F1C2-9A4D-4E3B-8F71-7C2D5A6E0B14}_{#MyAppVersion}
+AppName={#MyAppName} {#MyAppVersion}
+AppVerName={#MyAppName} {#MyAppVersion}
+AppVersion={#MyAppVersion}
+AppPublisher={#MyAppPublisher}
+AppPublisherURL={#MyAppURL}
+UninstallDisplayName={#MyAppName} {#MyAppVersion}
+WizardStyle=modern
+; Per-version install dir so versions never overwrite each other.
+DefaultDirName={autopf}\{#MyAppName}\{#MyAppVersion}
+; Shared "Testium" Start Menu folder; shortcuts below are named per version.
+DefaultGroupName={#MyAppName}
+UninstallDisplayIcon={app}\testium.ico
+DisableProgramGroupPage=yes
+; Per-user install, no admin ever: installs under %LOCALAPPDATA%, no UAC prompt.
+PrivilegesRequired=lowest
+ArchitecturesInstallIn64BitMode=x64compatible
+OutputDir=dist
+OutputBaseFilename=testium-{#MyAppVersion}-setup
+SetupIconFile=..\testium.ico
+Compression=lzma2/max
+SolidCompression=yes
+; Tell Explorer to refresh the environment after a PATH change.
+ChangesEnvironment=yes
+
+[Languages]
+Name: "french"; MessagesFile: "compiler:Languages\French.isl"
+Name: "english"; MessagesFile: "compiler:Default.isl"
+
+[Tasks]
+Name: "desktopicon"; Description: "{cm:CreateDesktopIcon}"; GroupDescription: "{cm:AdditionalIcons}"; Flags: unchecked
+; PATH off by default: the exe is windowed (console=False), so CLI shows no output.
+Name: "addtopath"; Description: "Ajouter Testium au PATH (usage en ligne de commande)"; Flags: unchecked
+
+[Files]
+Source: "..\pyinstaller\dist\{#MyAppExeName}"; DestDir: "{app}"; Flags: ignoreversion
+; Ship the .ico so shortcuts/uninstall reference it directly, not the embedded one.
+Source: "..\testium.ico"; DestDir: "{app}"; Flags: ignoreversion
+
+[Icons]
+; Per-version names so each install shows separately in the Start Menu.
+Name: "{group}\{#MyAppName} {#MyAppVersion}"; Filename: "{app}\{#MyAppExeName}"; IconFilename: "{app}\testium.ico"
+Name: "{group}\{cm:UninstallProgram,{#MyAppName} {#MyAppVersion}}"; Filename: "{uninstallexe}"
+Name: "{autodesktop}\{#MyAppName} {#MyAppVersion}"; Filename: "{app}\{#MyAppExeName}"; IconFilename: "{app}\testium.ico"; Tasks: desktopicon
+
+[Run]
+Filename: "{app}\{#MyAppExeName}"; Description: "{cm:LaunchProgram,{#MyAppName}}"; Flags: nowait postinstall skipifsilent
+
+[Code]
+const
+  EnvKey = 'Environment';
+
+// True if Param is not already a full segment of the per-user PATH.
+function NeedsAddPath(Param: string): Boolean;
+var
+  OrigPath: string;
+begin
+  if not RegQueryStringValue(HKEY_CURRENT_USER, EnvKey, 'Path', OrigPath) then
+  begin
+    Result := True;
+    exit;
+  end;
+  Result := Pos(';' + Uppercase(Param) + ';', ';' + Uppercase(OrigPath) + ';') = 0;
+end;
+
+// On install: append {app} to the per-user PATH if the task is selected.
+procedure CurStepChanged(CurStep: TSetupStep);
+var
+  Path: string;
+begin
+  if CurStep = ssPostInstall then
+  begin
+    if WizardIsTaskSelected('addtopath') and NeedsAddPath(ExpandConstant('{app}')) then
+    begin
+      if not RegQueryStringValue(HKEY_CURRENT_USER, EnvKey, 'Path', Path) then
+        Path := '';
+      if (Path <> '') and (Copy(Path, Length(Path), 1) <> ';') then
+        Path := Path + ';';
+      Path := Path + ExpandConstant('{app}');
+      RegWriteStringValue(HKEY_CURRENT_USER, EnvKey, 'Path', Path);
+    end;
+  end;
+end;
+
+// On uninstall: strip {app} back out of the per-user PATH.
+procedure CurUninstallStepChanged(CurUninstallStep: TUninstallStep);
+var
+  Path, AppDir, Segment: string;
+  P: Integer;
+begin
+  if CurUninstallStep = usUninstall then
+  begin
+    if RegQueryStringValue(HKEY_CURRENT_USER, EnvKey, 'Path', Path) then
+    begin
+      AppDir := ExpandConstant('{app}');
+      Segment := ';' + AppDir;
+      P := Pos(Uppercase(Segment), Uppercase(Path));
+      if P > 0 then
+        Delete(Path, P, Length(Segment))
+      else
+      begin
+        P := Pos(Uppercase(AppDir) + ';', Uppercase(Path));
+        if P = 1 then
+          Delete(Path, 1, Length(AppDir) + 1);
+      end;
+      RegWriteStringValue(HKEY_CURRENT_USER, EnvKey, 'Path', Path);
+    end;
+  end;
+end;

package/pyinstaller/testium.spec

@@ -94,11 +94,11 @@ exe = EXE(
     upx=not os.environ.get("TESTIUM_NO_UPX"),
     upx_exclude=[],
     runtime_tmpdir=None,
-    console=True,
+    console=False,
     disable_windowed_traceback=False,
     argv_emulation=False,
     target_arch=None,
     codesign_identity=None,
     entitlements_file=None,
-    ico='../testium.png'
+    ico='../testium.ico'
 )

release_note.txt

@@ -1,3 +1,14 @@
+version 0.2.3
+=============
+- Windows version now working reliably. Fix of a problem of jrpc ports
+  handshakes between the py and lua processes and testium.
+  Beneficial to linux version too.
+- Windows: UTF-8 console output and a self-sufficient validation
+  wrapper (run.bat).
+- Resolved python_bin / lua_bin are now published into the global dict,
+  so test scripts can read them via $(python_bin) / $(lua_bin).
+- Windows: new per-user installer (no admin).
+
 version 0.2.2
 ==============
 - Flatpak sandbox issue fixed for term console. Now a term console is

src/VERSION

@@ -1 +1 @@
-0.2.2
+0.2.3

src/testium/__init__.py

@@ -11,6 +11,16 @@ sys.path.append(os.path.abspath(ourpath.parent))
 import interpreter.utils.constants as cst
 
 def main():
+    # Force UTF-8 on stdout/stderr so the runner's output survives a legacy
+    # console code page (Windows cp1252 can't encode box-drawing/accented
+    # chars). Only the stream encoders change; the locale default used for
+    # config files is untouched.
+    for _stream in (sys.stdout, sys.stderr):
+        try:
+            _stream.reconfigure(encoding="utf-8")
+        except (AttributeError, ValueError):
+            pass  # no stdout (frozen GUI) or non-reconfigurable stream
+
     # Subcommand dispatch (must run *before* argparse so neither 'schema' nor
     # 'lsp' has to share the GUI/batch flag surface). The subcommands also
     # skip the multiprocessing 'spawn' setup which is only meaningful for the

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_console.py

@@ -344,7 +344,7 @@ class TestItemConsoleReadUntil(TestItemConsoleAction):
     def execute(self):
         cons = self.get_console()
         ru = self._prms.expanse(self._read_until)
-        read_timeout = float(self._prms.getParam("timeout", default=-1, processed=True))
+        read_timeout = int(self._prms.getParam("timeout", default=-1, processed=True))
         mute = self._prms.getParam("mute", default=False, processed=True)
         if read_timeout < 0:
             read_timeout = None

src/testium/interpreter/test_items/test_item_py_func.py

@@ -90,7 +90,7 @@ class TestItemPyFunc(TestItem):
 
             if not engine.is_alive():
                 engine.start()
-                if not engine.wait_ready():
+                if not engine.wait_ready(10):
                     raise ETUMRuntimeError(
                         f"""Impossible to start the external python execution process.
 Is the python path correct ?

src/testium/interpreter/test_report/report_export_html.py

@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ class ReportExportHTML(rpe.ReportExport):
         self.prepareFile()
         self.create_base()
         self.process_tests()
-        with open(self._file_name, 'w') as f:
+        with open(self._file_name, 'w', encoding="utf-8") as f:
             f.write(lxml.html.tostring(self.root, pretty_print=True).decode())
 
     def testsIterate(self, row):

src/testium/interpreter/test_report/report_export_junit.py

@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@ class ReportExportJUnit(rpe.ReportExport):
 
         ts = TestSuite(repname, test_cases=self.test_cases,
                        hostname=tm.gd('host_ip'))
-        with open(self._file_name, 'w') as f:
+        with open(self._file_name, 'w', encoding="utf-8") as f:
             TestSuite.to_file(f, [ts])
 
     def testsIterate(self, row):

src/testium/interpreter/utils/bins.py

@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ import subprocess
 import tempfile
 
 import api.testium as tm
-from interpreter.utils.paths import sys_app_path_lin, sys_app_path_win
+from interpreter.utils.paths import sys_app_path_lin, sys_app_path_win, no_window_kwargs
 from runtime.tum_except import ETUMRuntimeError
 
 
@@ -272,6 +272,7 @@ def _run_probe(cmd):
         r = subprocess.run(
             cmd, capture_output=True, text=True,
             encoding=tm.sys_encoding(), timeout=10, env=_probe_env(),
+            **no_window_kwargs(),
         )
     except (FileNotFoundError, PermissionError, subprocess.TimeoutExpired):
         return None
@@ -388,12 +389,16 @@ def ensure(*names):
     """
     missing = []
     for n in names:
-        if not _resolve(n):
+        path = _resolve(n)
         display, gd_key, candidates, _ = _SPECS[n]
+        if not path:
             missing.append(
                 f"  - {display}: tried {candidates} on PATH, none usable. "
                 f"Set '{gd_key}' in the YAML config to override."
             )
+        elif not tm.gd(gd_key):
+            # Publish resolved path so test scripts can use $(python_bin)/$(lua_bin).
+            tm.setgd(gd_key, path)
     if missing:
         raise ETUMRuntimeError(
             "Required external interpreter(s) not found:\n" + "\n".join(missing)

src/testium/interpreter/utils/lua_process.py

@@ -1,14 +1,13 @@
 import os
 import sys
 import subprocess
-import socket
 
 import api.testium as tm
 from runtime.jrpc import JsonRpcClient
-from interpreter.utils.paths import subproc_path
+from interpreter.utils.paths import subproc_path, no_window_kwargs
 from runtime.tum_except import ETUMRuntimeError
 from interpreter.utils import bins
-from interpreter.utils.proc_drain import drain_to_log
+from interpreter.utils.proc_drain import drain_and_read_port, wait_for_port
 
 
 class LuaProcessBase:
@@ -79,12 +78,7 @@ class LuaProcessBase:
                 else:
                     env[k] = e + ";" + env.get(k, "")
 
-        sock = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
-        sock.bind(("localhost", 0))
-        self._port = sock.getsockname()[1]
-        sock.close()
-
-        # POpen params
+        # POpen params (port 0 -> the Lua server picks a free port and reports it)
         cmd_args = [
             "main.lua",
             "--timeout",
@@ -92,7 +86,7 @@ class LuaProcessBase:
             "--host",
             "127.0.0.1",
             "--port",
-            f"{self._port}",
+            "0",
         ]
 
         if tm.debug_enabled() and tm.gd("debug_rpc", False):
@@ -120,12 +114,19 @@ class LuaProcessBase:
             stdout=subprocess.PIPE,
             stderr=subprocess.PIPE,
             restore_signals=False,
+            **no_window_kwargs(),
             **popen_kwargs,
         )
-        # Route subprocess stdout/stderr (lua require failures, syntax
-        # errors, anything written to fd 1/2 before the in-script
-        # remote_print is set up) into the parent's log.
-        drain_to_log(self._process, prefix="[lua_func] ")
+        # Forward subprocess output to the log and read the startup port sentinel.
+        holder = drain_and_read_port(self._process, prefix="[lua_func] ")
+        self._port = wait_for_port(
+            self._process, holder, tm.gd("proc_start_timeout", 30)
+        )
+        if self._port is None:
+            # Worker died before announcing its port: reset so a later start() retries clean.
+            self.stop()
+            self.join()
+            return
 
         self._rpc = JsonRpcClient(
             "localhost", self._port, req_handler=self._req_handler

src/testium/interpreter/utils/paths.py

@@ -8,6 +8,14 @@ import subprocess
 import api.testium as tm
 
 
+def no_window_kwargs():
+    # Hide stray child consoles in the frozen Windows GUI exe (console=False has
+    # no console to inherit). The wheel/source keeps its console, so leave it.
+    if sys.platform == "win32" and getattr(sys, "frozen", False):
+        return {"creationflags": subprocess.CREATE_NO_WINDOW}
+    return {}
+
+
 def testium_path():
 
     if getattr(sys, 'frozen', False):
@@ -54,6 +62,7 @@ def sys_app_path_win(app_name):
             text=True,
             encoding="oem",
             timeout=10,
+            **no_window_kwargs(),
         )
         data = result.stdout
     except (FileNotFoundError, PermissionError, subprocess.TimeoutExpired):

src/testium/interpreter/utils/proc_drain.py

@@ -8,6 +8,9 @@ exceptions before the in-process redirection kicks in, lua
 ``require`` failures, anything written to fd 1/2 directly).
 """
 import threading
+from time import monotonic
+
+from runtime.jrpc import RPC_PORT_SENTINEL
 
 
 def _drain_pipe(pipe, prefix):
@@ -46,3 +49,60 @@ def drain_to_log(process, prefix=""):
         t.start()
         threads.append(t)
     return threads
+
+
+def drain_and_read_port(process, prefix=""):
+    """Like :func:`drain_to_log`, but the stdout reader also watches for the
+    startup port sentinel. Returns a ``holder`` dict (passed to
+    :func:`wait_for_port`); all non-sentinel lines are still forwarded to the
+    log. stderr is drained as usual.
+    """
+    holder = {"port": None, "evt": threading.Event()}
+
+    def _read_stdout(pipe):
+        try:
+            for raw in iter(pipe.readline, b""):
+                line = raw.decode("utf-8", errors="replace").rstrip("\r\n")
+                if holder["port"] is None and line.startswith(RPC_PORT_SENTINEL):
+                    try:
+                        holder["port"] = int(line[len(RPC_PORT_SENTINEL):].strip())
+                    except ValueError:
+                        continue
+                    holder["evt"].set()
+                    continue
+                if line:
+                    print(f"{prefix}{line}" if prefix else line)
+        finally:
+            try:
+                pipe.close()
+            except Exception:
+                pass
+            holder["evt"].set()  # unblock waiter on EOF even without sentinel
+
+    if process.stdout is not None:
+        threading.Thread(
+            target=_read_stdout, args=(process.stdout,), daemon=True,
+        ).start()
+    if process.stderr is not None:
+        threading.Thread(
+            target=_drain_pipe, args=(process.stderr, prefix), daemon=True,
+        ).start()
+    return holder
+
+
+def wait_for_port(process, holder, deadline):
+    """Block until the port sentinel arrives, the process dies, or *deadline*
+    seconds elapse. Returns the port int or ``None``.
+    """
+    end = monotonic() + deadline
+    while holder["port"] is None:
+        remaining = end - monotonic()
+        if remaining <= 0:
+            break
+        holder["evt"].wait(min(remaining, 0.2))
+        if holder["port"] is not None:
+            break
+        if process.poll() is not None:
+            holder["evt"].wait(0.2)  # child exited; let the reader flush a trailing line
+            break
+    return holder["port"]

src/testium/interpreter/utils/py_process.py

@@ -1,13 +1,12 @@
 import os
 import sys
 import subprocess
-import socket
 from runtime.jrpc import JsonRpcClient
 import api.testium as tm
 from runtime.tum_except import ETUMRuntimeError
-from interpreter.utils.paths import testium_path, subproc_path
+from interpreter.utils.paths import testium_path, subproc_path, no_window_kwargs
 from interpreter.utils import bins
-from interpreter.utils.proc_drain import drain_to_log
+from interpreter.utils.proc_drain import drain_and_read_port, wait_for_port
 
 
 class PyProcessBase:
@@ -54,13 +53,6 @@ class PyProcessBase:
                 else:
                     env[k] = e + os.pathsep + env.get(k, "")
 
-        sock = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
-        sock.bind(("localhost", 0))
-        self._port = sock.getsockname()[1]
-        # Port was reserved until the sub-process is started. Now released.
-        if sock is not None:
-            sock.close()
-
         # In Flatpak the host can't see /app/lib/testium, so use a staged copy
         # under /tmp (shared between sandbox and host) for both cwd and as the
         # root in PYTHONPATH. Outside Flatpak the original paths are used.
@@ -75,7 +67,7 @@ class PyProcessBase:
         cmd_args = [
             "py_func",
             "-p",
-            f"{self._port}",
+            "0",
             "-t",
             f"{self._timeout}",
         ]
@@ -105,13 +97,19 @@ class PyProcessBase:
             stdout=subprocess.PIPE,
             stderr=subprocess.PIPE,
             restore_signals=False,
+            **no_window_kwargs(),
             **popen_kwargs,
         )
-        # Route subprocess stdout/stderr (early-startup errors,
-        # unhandled exceptions, anything written to fd 1/2 before the
-        # in-process JSON-RPC stdio_redir kicks in) into the parent's
-        # log.
-        drain_to_log(self._process, prefix="[py_func] ")
+        # Forward subprocess output to the log and read the startup port sentinel.
+        holder = drain_and_read_port(self._process, prefix="[py_func] ")
+        self._port = wait_for_port(
+            self._process, holder, tm.gd("proc_start_timeout", 30)
+        )
+        if self._port is None:
+            # Worker died before announcing its port: reset so a later start() retries clean.
+            self.stop()
+            self.join()
+            return
 
         self._rpc = JsonRpcClient(
             "localhost", self._port, req_handler=self._req_handler

src/testium/lua_func/main.lua

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 -- =========================
 local config = {
     host = "0.0.0.0",
-    port = 9000,
+    port = 0,          -- 0 = OS-assigned; actual port is reported on stdout
     timeout = 60,
     verbose = false,
 }
@@ -76,6 +76,10 @@ server_sock:listen(1)
 local ip, port = server_sock:getsockname()
 utils.log("listening on %s:%d for %.1f secs", ip, port, config.timeout)
 
+-- Announce the actual bound port so the parent connects only once we listen.
+io.stdout:write("__TESTIUM_RPC_PORT__=" .. port .. "\n")
+io.stdout:flush()
+
 server_sock:settimeout(config.timeout) -- Prevents hanging on dead connections
 
 -- Main Server Loop

src/testium/main_win/test_file_manager.py

@@ -51,18 +51,14 @@ class TestFileManager:
         w.disconnect_signals()
         # Snapshot user-selected checkboxes and fold state so they survive a
         # reload of the same file (same logic as session-restore through prefs).
-        # checkList works only if show_checkboxes is True
         previous_check_list = w.treeTests.getCheckList()
         previous_fold_list = w.treeTests.getFoldList()
         previous_count = w.treeTests.getItemCount()
         self.clear_process()
-        if self.load(file_name) and \
-            w.test_service is not None and \
-            w.treeTests.getItemCount() == previous_count:
-                if prefs.settings.show_checkboxes :
+        if self.load(file_name) and w.test_service is not None:
+            if w.treeTests.getItemCount() == previous_count:
                 w.treeTests.restoreCheckList(previous_check_list, w.test_service)
                 w.treeTests.restoreFoldList(previous_fold_list)
-
         w.reconnect_signals()
 
     def _make_progress(self, w):

src/testium/py_func/__init__.py

@@ -1,7 +1,9 @@
 #!/usr/bin/env python
+import sys
 import multiprocessing
 from py_func.tm import _init_api, _remote_print
 from runtime.stdout_redirect import stdio_redir
+from runtime.jrpc import RPC_PORT_SENTINEL
 
 
 class TcpStdOut:
@@ -24,21 +26,29 @@ def main():
     parser = argparse.ArgumentParser()
     parser.add_argument("-i", "--ip", type=str, help="Ip address or hostname to listen to",
                         default="localhost")
-    parser.add_argument("-p", "--port", type=int, help="port to listen to",
-                        default=9000)
+    parser.add_argument("-p", "--port", type=int, help="port to listen to (0 = OS-assigned)",
+                        default=0)
     parser.add_argument("-t", "--timeout", type=float, help="Timeout waiting for connection",
                         default=10)
     parser.add_argument("-v", "--verbose", action='store_true', help="port to listen to")
     args = parser.parse_args()
 
     thrd_api = _init_api(args.ip, args.port, args.timeout)
-    # redirect I/O
-    outstream = TcpStdOut()
-    stdio_redir.redirect(outstream)
     # debug the server
     if args.verbose:
         thrd_api.dbg_out = stdio_redir.ini_stdout
     thrd_api.start()
+
+    # Announce the bound port on real stdout (before redirection) so the parent connects.
+    port = thrd_api.wait_bound(args.timeout)
+    if port is None:
+        print("py_func: failed to bind a listening port", file=sys.stderr, flush=True)
+        return
+    print(f"{RPC_PORT_SENTINEL}{port}", flush=True)
+
+    # redirect I/O
+    outstream = TcpStdOut()
+    stdio_redir.redirect(outstream)
     try:
         while thrd_api.is_alive():
             thrd_api.join(1)

src/testium/runtime/jrpc.py

@@ -12,6 +12,9 @@ except:
 
 from runtime.tum_except import ETUMRuntimeError
 
+# Startup handshake: subprocess prints this + its bound port on stdout once listening.
+RPC_PORT_SENTINEL = "__TESTIUM_RPC_PORT__="
+
 """Lightweight JSON-RPC 2.0 helpers over TCP sockets.
 
 This module implements a minimal JSON-RPC 2.0 messaging layer using
@@ -279,6 +282,8 @@ class JsonRpcBase(threading.Thread):
         self._req_handler = req_handler
         self._dbg_out = dbg_out
         self._event_ready = threading.Event()
+        # Set on success AND failure so wait_ready() never hangs; outcome in _connected.
+        self._connected = False
 
     def handle_request(self, method, params):
         """Override to implement server-side request handling.
@@ -314,10 +319,12 @@ class JsonRpcBase(threading.Thread):
             self.name, sock, self.handle_request, dbg_out=self.dbg_out
         )
         self._rpc.wait_ready()
+        self._connected = True
         self._event_ready.set()
 
     def wait_ready(self, timeout=None):
-        return self._event_ready.wait(timeout)
+        self._event_ready.wait(timeout)
+        return self._connected
 
     @property
     def dbg_out(self):
@@ -348,20 +355,30 @@ class JsonRpcSrv(JsonRpcBase):
     def __init__(self, host, port, req_handler=None, timeout=10):
         super().__init__(host, port, req_handler, timeout)
         self.name = f"JsonRpcSvr_{port}"
+        self._bound_port = None
+        self._bound_evt = threading.Event()
+
+    @property
+    def bound_port(self):
+        return self._bound_port
+
+    def wait_bound(self, timeout=None):
+        self._bound_evt.wait(timeout)
+        return self._bound_port
 
     def run(self):
         # TCP/IP socket creation
         try:
             with socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM) as sock:
 
-                sock.setsockopt(socket.SOL_SOCKET, socket.SO_REUSEADDR, 1)
-
-                # Link of the socket at the configured port
+                # No SO_REUSEADDR: fresh ephemeral port; on Windows it enables hijacking.
                 sock.bind((self._host, self._port))
 
                 # Listens incoming connections
                 sock.listen(1)
-                self.print_info(f"listening on {self._host}:{self._port}")
+                self._bound_port = sock.getsockname()[1]
+                self._bound_evt.set()
+                self.print_info(f"listening on {self._host}:{self._bound_port}")
 
                 self.print_info(f"awaiting connection for {self._timeout} secs")
                 sock.settimeout(self._timeout)
@@ -382,6 +399,7 @@ class JsonRpcSrv(JsonRpcBase):
                         sleep(0.1)
 
         finally:
+            self._bound_evt.set()  # unblock wait_bound() even on failure
             if self._rpc is not None:
                 self._rpc.stop()
                 self._rpc.join()
@@ -407,35 +425,34 @@ class JsonRpcClient(JsonRpcBase):
         self.name = f"JsonRpcClt_{port}"
 
     def run(self):
+        try:
             if tm.OS() == "Windows":
                 self.run_win()
             else:
                 self.run_lin()
+        except Exception as e:
+            self.print_info(f"connection failed: {e}")
+        finally:
+            self._event_ready.set()  # settle wait_ready() whatever the outcome
 
     def run_win(self):
-        # TCP/IP socket creation
-        tslice = 1
-        t = self._timeout
+        # Server already listening (handshake); retry on refused/timeout until deadline.
+        deadline = monotonic() + self._timeout
         sock = None
         try:
-            while t >= 0:
+            while True:
                 sock = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
-                sock.settimeout(tslice)
-                # Link of the socket at the configured port
+                sock.settimeout(0.5)
                 try:
                     sock.connect((self._host, self._port))
                     break
-                except socket.timeout:
+                except OSError as e:
                     sock.close()
-                    t -= tslice
-                    if t < 0:
+                    if monotonic() >= deadline:
                         raise ETUMRuntimeError(
-                            f"{self.name}: failed to connect : timeout"
+                            f"{self.name}: failed to connect : {e}"
                         )
-                    else:
-                        sleep(tslice)
-                except socket.error as e:
-                    raise ETUMRuntimeError(f"{self.name}: failed to connect : {e}")
+                    sleep(0.1)
 
             self.print_info("Connected to server")
             self.connect(sock)

test/validation/items/console/test.tum

@@ -84,18 +84,7 @@
         - read_until: {expected: HelloConsole, timeout: 1, mute: true}
 
 - console:
-    name: Console read_until float timeout
-    console_name: term
-    key: $(test)_PASS
-    steps:
-        - writeln: echo "HelloConsole"
-{% if os == "Windows" %}
-        - read_until: {expected: echo "HelloConsole", timeout: 0.2}
-{% endif %}
-        - read_until: {expected: HelloConsole, timeout: 0.2}
-
-- console:
-    name: Console read_until process result
+    name: Console read_until muted
     console_name: term
     key: $(test)_PASS
     steps:

test/validation/items/jsonrpc/test.tum

@@ -20,7 +20,7 @@
             console_name: jrpces
             key: $(test)_PASS
             steps:
-                - writeln: python3 {{include_directory}}/jrpc_echo_server.py -c {{include_directory}}/jrpces.ini
+                - writeln: '"$(python_bin)" {{include_directory}}/jrpc_echo_server.py -c {{include_directory}}/jrpces.ini'
                 - read_until: {expected: ready, timeout: 5}
 
         - console:

test/validation/items/let/test.tum

@@ -11,8 +11,8 @@
         - let:
             name:  Let it be
             values:
-                - it: $(loop_param)
-                - be: <| $(loop_param) == $(it) |>
+                it: $(loop_param)
+                be: <| $(loop_param) == $(it) |>
 
 - loop:
     name: Cycle iterating on list

test/validation/items/lua_func/test.tum

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 - let:
     name: lua_func test constants,
     values:
-      - lua_func test parameter: test parameter lua_func
+      lua_func test parameter: test parameter lua_func
 
 - lua_func:
     name: fail lua_func

test/validation/items/py_func/test.tum

@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 - let:
     name: py_func test constants,
     values:
-      - py_func test parameter: test parameter
+      py_func test parameter: test parameter
 
 - py_func:
     name: pass py_func

test/validation/items/run/sub_fail.tum

@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+main:
+    name: run sub-test (always fail)
+    steps:
+        - check:
+            name: fail
+            values:
+                - false

test/validation/items/run/sub_pass.tum

@@ -0,0 +1,7 @@
+main:
+    name: run sub-test (always pass)
+    steps:
+        - check:
+            name: pass
+            values:
+                - true

test/validation/main.tum

@@ -31,11 +31,7 @@ main:
 
 {% for item in items %}
                 # item test
-                - let: 
-                    name: {{ item }} test constants
-                    values: 
-                        - test: {{ item }}
-                        - test_path: items/$(test)
+                - let: {name: {{ item }} test constants, values: {test: {{ item }}, test_path: items/$(test)}}
                 - group:
                     name: {{ item }} test
                     steps:

test/validation/post_execution.py

@@ -89,7 +89,7 @@ def exec():
         junit_report = report.replace(".sqlite", f"-{test}.xml")
         print(junit_report)
         _prepare_file_to_save(junit_report)
-        with open(junit_report, "w") as f:
+        with open(junit_report, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             f.write(TestSuite.to_xml_string([ts]))
 
     # cleanup

test/validation/run.bat

@@ -89,6 +89,13 @@ REM Reports are stamped with the mode so successive runs don't clobber each othe
 
 SET "TAIL=-b -d "python_bin=%VENV_PYTHON%" -d "validation_report_file=validation-%MODE%" -- "%SCRIPT_DIR%\main.tum"%EXTRA%"
 
+REM The report-exporter plugin (items\report_plugin) is a pip entry-point
+REM package. It must live in the *testium* environment, so it is installed into
+REM the source/wheel venvs below. A frozen PyInstaller binary cannot see
+REM externally-installed plugins, so report_plugin is expected to be skipped
+REM there (same as Linux pyinstaller mode).
+SET "FAKE_EXPORTER=%SCRIPT_DIR%\fake_exporter"
+
 REM ---------- per-mode launcher ----------------------------------------------
 
 echo -- validation mode: %MODE%
@@ -100,8 +107,25 @@ echo ERROR: unknown --mode '%MODE%'. Expected: source ^| wheel ^| pyinstaller.
 exit /b 1
 
 :MODE_SOURCE
-call "%PROJECT_DIR%\run.bat" %TAIL%
-exit /b %ERRORLEVEL%
+REM Run testium from src\ in a dedicated venv set up here. We do NOT delegate to
+REM the project's run.bat: that one launches the GUI and does not forward its
+REM arguments, so the suite would never run head-less.
+SET "TESTIUM_VENV=%PROJECT_DIR%\test\tmp\testium_venv"
+IF NOT EXIST "%TESTIUM_VENV%" (
+    echo Creating testium venv at %TESTIUM_VENV%
+    %PYTHON_EXE% -m venv "%TESTIUM_VENV%"
+    IF !ERRORLEVEL! NEQ 0 (
+        echo ERROR while creating the testium venv.
+        exit /b 1
+    )
+    call "%TESTIUM_VENV%\Scripts\pip" install --quiet --upgrade pip
+    call "%TESTIUM_VENV%\Scripts\pip" install --quiet -r "%PROJECT_DIR%\src\requirements.txt"
+    REM language-server extra so `testium lsp` works from source (lsp_check.py)
+    call "%TESTIUM_VENV%\Scripts\pip" install --quiet "pygls>=1.3"
+)
+call "%TESTIUM_VENV%\Scripts\pip" install --quiet -e "%FAKE_EXPORTER%"
+SET CMD="%TESTIUM_VENV%\Scripts\python.exe" "%PROJECT_DIR%\src\testium"
+GOTO LAUNCH
 
 :MODE_WHEEL
 SET "WHEEL=%PROJECT_DIR%\dist\testium-%VERSION%-py3-none-any.whl"
@@ -115,10 +139,13 @@ IF NOT EXIST "%WHEEL_VENV%" (
     echo Creating wheel venv at %WHEEL_VENV%
     %PYTHON_EXE% -m venv --system-site-packages "%WHEEL_VENV%"
     call "%WHEEL_VENV%\Scripts\pip" install --quiet --upgrade pip
-    call "%WHEEL_VENV%\Scripts\pip" install --quiet "%WHEEL%"
+    REM install with the [lsp] extra so the wheel channel is validated in its
+    REM language-server-capable form (pulls pygls), matching `pip install testium[lsp]`.
+    call "%WHEEL_VENV%\Scripts\pip" install --quiet "%WHEEL%[lsp]"
 )
-"%WHEEL_VENV%\Scripts\python.exe" -m testium %TAIL%
-exit /b %ERRORLEVEL%
+call "%WHEEL_VENV%\Scripts\pip" install --quiet -e "%FAKE_EXPORTER%"
+SET CMD="%WHEEL_VENV%\Scripts\python.exe" -m testium
+GOTO LAUNCH
 
 :MODE_PYI
 SET "PYI_BIN=%PROJECT_DIR%\dist\testium-%VERSION%.exe"
@@ -127,5 +154,22 @@ IF NOT EXIST "%PYI_BIN%" (
     echo ERROR: PyInstaller binary not found in %PROJECT_DIR%\dist -- run build_all.sh first.
     exit /b 1
 )
-"%PYI_BIN%" %TAIL%
+SET CMD="%PYI_BIN%"
+GOTO LAUNCH
+
+REM ---------- launch ----------------------------------------------------------
+
+:LAUNCH
+echo -- launch: %CMD%
+
+REM LSP check (this exact channel): `schema` must keep its nested actions and
+REM `lsp` must answer initialize. Mirrors run.sh; aborts the run on failure.
+echo -- LSP check (%MODE%)
+"%VENV_PYTHON%" "%SCRIPT_DIR%\lsp_check.py" %CMD%
+IF !ERRORLEVEL! NEQ 0 (
+    echo ERROR: LSP check failed for mode %MODE%.
+    exit /b 1
+)
+
+%CMD% %TAIL%
 exit /b %ERRORLEVEL%