diff --git a/.github/python.instructions.md b/.github/python.instructions.md
index d8f1d7d..f1a46b2 100644
--- a/.github/python.instructions.md
+++ b/.github/python.instructions.md
@@ -63,6 +63,7 @@ Before completing any Python code changes, verify:
 ## Testing
 
 - Aim for 90+% code coverage for each file.
+- Slow tests (> 0.1s runtime) should be identified and fixed, if possible.
 - Add or update pytest unit tests when changing behavior.
 - Prefer focused tests for the code being changed.
 - Avoid tests that require live Azure access; mock Azure CLI interactions and `azure_resources` helpers.
diff --git a/.vscode/settings.json b/.vscode/settings.json
index 672cac6..48426b0 100644
--- a/.vscode/settings.json
+++ b/.vscode/settings.json
@@ -1,44 +1,45 @@
 {
-    "python.analysis.exclude": [
-        "**/node_modules",
-        "**/__pycache__",
-        ".git",
-        "**/build",
-        "env/**",
-        "**/.*",
-        "**/.venv",
-        "**/venv",
-        "**/env"
-    ],
-    "files.trimTrailingWhitespace": true,
-    "files.insertFinalNewline": true,
-    "files.trimFinalNewlines": true,
-    "files.eol": "\n",
-    "editor.renderWhitespace": "trailing",
-    "python.defaultInterpreterPath": "./.venv/Scripts/python.exe",
-    "python.envFile": "${workspaceFolder}/.env",
-    "[python]": {
-        "editor.codeActionsOnSave": {
-            "source.organizeImports": "explicit",
-            "source.unusedImports": "explicit"
-        },
-        "editor.formatOnSave": true
+  "[markdown]": {
+    "files.trimTrailingWhitespace": false
+  },
+  "[python]": {
+    "editor.codeActionsOnSave": {
+      "source.organizeImports": "explicit",
+      "source.unusedImports": "explicit"
     },
-    "[markdown]": {
-        "files.trimTrailingWhitespace": false
-    },
-    "terminal.integrated.defaultProfile.windows": "PowerShell",
-    "plantuml.render": "Local",
-    "plantuml.exportFormat": "svg",
-    "plantuml.java": "C:\\Program Files\\OpenJDK\\jdk-22.0.2\\bin\\java.exe",
-    "plantuml.diagramsRoot": "assets/diagrams/src",
-    "plantuml.exportOutDir": "assets/diagrams/out",
-    "python.terminal.activateEnvironment": true,
-    "python.terminal.activateEnvInCurrentTerminal": true,
-    "python.testing.pytestEnabled": true,
-    "python.linting.enabled": true,
-    "python.linting.pylintEnabled": true,
-    "jupyter.kernels.trusted": [
-        "./.venv/Scripts/python.exe"
-    ]
-}
\ No newline at end of file
+    "editor.formatOnSave": true
+  },
+  "editor.renderWhitespace": "trailing",
+  "files.eol": "\n",
+  "files.insertFinalNewline": true,
+  "files.trimFinalNewlines": true,
+  "files.trimTrailingWhitespace": true,
+  "jupyter.kernels.trusted": [
+    "./.venv/Scripts/python.exe"
+  ],
+  "plantuml.diagramsRoot": "assets/diagrams/src",
+  "plantuml.exportFormat": "svg",
+  "plantuml.exportOutDir": "assets/diagrams/out",
+  "plantuml.java": "C:\\Program Files\\OpenJDK\\jdk-22.0.2\\bin\\java.exe",
+  "plantuml.render": "Local",
+  "python.analysis.exclude": [
+    "**/node_modules",
+    "**/__pycache__",
+    ".git",
+    "**/build",
+    "env/**",
+    "**/.*",
+    "**/.venv",
+    "**/venv",
+    "**/env"
+  ],
+  "python.defaultInterpreterPath": "./.venv/Scripts/python.exe",
+  "python.envFile": "${workspaceFolder}/.env",
+  "python.linting.enabled": true,
+  "python.linting.pylintEnabled": true,
+  "python.terminal.activateEnvInCurrentTerminal": true,
+  "python.terminal.activateEnvironment": true,
+  "python.terminal.useEnvFile": true,
+  "python.testing.pytestEnabled": true,
+  "terminal.integrated.defaultProfile.windows": "PowerShell"
+}
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
index b0f3f5c..c8472ad 100644
--- a/README.md
+++ b/README.md
@@ -23,8 +23,23 @@ Historically, there were two general paths to experimenting with APIM. Standing
 
 It's quick and easy to get started!
 
-1. Follow one of the two [setup options](#️-setup).
-1. Select an [infrastructure](#-list-of-infrastructures) to deploy. 
+### ⚡ Quick Start (Recommended Path for First-Time Users)
+
+1. **Choose your setup** (pick one):
+   - **Easiest**: Use [GitHub Codespaces or Dev Container](#️-setup) - everything is pre-configured
+   - **Prefer local development**: Follow [Full Local Setup](#️-setup)
+
+2. **Deploy an infrastructure** - Choose one based on your needs:
+   - **Just starting out?** → [Simple API Management][infra-simple-apim] (fastest, lowest cost)
+   - **Want to explore containers?** → [API Management & Container Apps][infra-apim-aca]
+   - **Exploring secure Azure Front Door?** → [Front Door & API Management with Private Link][infra-afd-apim-pe]
+   - **Prefer Application Gateway?** → [Application Gateway (Private Link) & API Management][infra-appgw-apim-pe] or [Application Gateway (VNet) & API Management][infra-appgw-apim]
+
+3. **Run a sample** - Open the desired sample's `create.ipynb` file and run it (nearly all samples work with all infrastructures)
+
+4. **Experiment** - Modify policies, make API calls, and learn!
+
+> 💡 **First time?** Start with the [Simple API Management][infra-simple-apim] infrastructure and the [General][sample-general] sample. It takes ~5 minutes to deploy and costs ~$1-2/hour to run.
 
 
 ## 📁 List of Infrastructures
@@ -81,12 +96,12 @@ This menu-driven interface provides quick access to:
 
 APIM Samples supports two setup options:
 
-### Option 1: GitHub Codespaces / Dev Container (Recommended)
+### Option 1: GitHub Codespaces / Dev Container (Recommended for First-Time Users)
 <details>
 
-**The fastest way to get started is using our pre-configured development environment.**
+**The fastest way to get started is using our pre-configured development environment.** Everything is pre-installed and configured—just sign in to Azure and you're ready to go.
 
-Each supported Python version has its own dev container, providing you with a more tailored environment that hopefully more closely resembles your own workloads.
+This is especially helpful if you're new to APIM, unfamiliar with Python environments, or want to avoid local setup complexity. The entire setup takes 2-3 minutes.
 
 **GitHub Codespaces**: Click the green "Code" button → "Codespaces" → "..." → "New with options..." → "Dev container configuration" (select Python version but ignore *Default project configuration*) → "Create codespace"
 
diff --git a/setup/local_setup.py b/setup/local_setup.py
index 49b670c..32b8993 100644
--- a/setup/local_setup.py
+++ b/setup/local_setup.py
@@ -74,29 +74,29 @@ def check_azure_cli_installed():
     """Check if Azure CLI is installed."""
     az_path = shutil.which('az') or shutil.which('az.cmd') or shutil.which('az.bat')
     if not az_path:
-        print("   ❌ Azure CLI is not installed. Please install from: https://learn.microsoft.com/cli/azure/install-azure-cli")
+        print("❌ Azure CLI is not installed. Please install from: https://learn.microsoft.com/cli/azure/install-azure-cli")
         return False
     try:
         subprocess.run([az_path, '--version'], capture_output=True, text=True, check=True)
-        print("   ✅ Azure CLI is installed")
+        print("✅ Azure CLI is installed")
         return True
     except subprocess.CalledProcessError:
-        print("   ❌ Azure CLI is not installed. Please install from: https://learn.microsoft.com/cli/azure/install-azure-cli")
+        print("❌ Azure CLI is not installed. Please install from: https://learn.microsoft.com/cli/azure/install-azure-cli")
         return False
 
 def check_bicep_cli_installed():
     """Check if Azure Bicep CLI is installed."""
     az_path = shutil.which('az') or shutil.which('az.cmd') or shutil.which('az.bat')
     if not az_path:
-        print("   ❌ Azure CLI is not installed. Please install from: https://learn.microsoft.com/cli/azure/install-azure-cli")
+        print("❌ Azure CLI is not installed. Please install from: https://learn.microsoft.com/cli/azure/install-azure-cli")
         return False
 
     try:
         subprocess.run([az_path, 'bicep', 'version'], capture_output=True, text=True, check=True)
-        print("   ✅ Azure Bicep CLI is installed (via az bicep)")
+        print("✅ Azure Bicep CLI is installed (via az bicep)")
         return True
     except subprocess.CalledProcessError:
-        print("   ❌ Azure Bicep CLI is not installed. Install with: az bicep install")
+        print("❌ Azure Bicep CLI is not installed. Install with: az bicep install")
         return False
 
 def check_azure_providers_registered():
@@ -133,10 +133,10 @@ def check_azure_providers_registered():
         missing_providers = [p for p in required_providers if p not in registered_providers]
 
         if not missing_providers:
-            print("   ✅ All required Azure resource providers are registered")
+            print("✅ All required Azure resource providers are registered")
             return True
 
-        print(f"   ❌ Missing {len(missing_providers)} Azure provider(s):")
+        print(f"❌ Missing {len(missing_providers)} Azure provider(s):")
         for provider in missing_providers:
             print(f"      • {provider}")
         print("   Register with: az provider register -n <provider-namespace>")
@@ -306,7 +306,7 @@ def generate_env_file() -> None:
     with open(env_file_path, 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
         f.write(env_content)
 
-    print(f"\nSuccessfully generated .env file: {env_file_path}\n")
+    print(f"\n✅ Successfully generated .env file: {env_file_path}\n")
 
 
 def install_jupyter_kernel():
@@ -380,8 +380,6 @@ def create_vscode_settings():
         "python.terminal.activateEnvironment": True,
         "python.terminal.activateEnvInCurrentTerminal": True,
         "python.testing.pytestEnabled": True,
-        "python.linting.enabled": True,
-        "python.linting.pylintEnabled": True,
         "jupyter.kernels.trusted": [venv_python],
     }
 
@@ -408,7 +406,8 @@ def create_vscode_settings():
         )
 
         with open(settings_file, 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
-            json.dump(merged_settings, f, indent=4)
+            json.dump(merged_settings, f, indent=2, sort_keys=True)
+            f.write('\n')
 
         print(f"✅ VS Code settings updated: {settings_file}")
         print("   - Existing settings preserved")
@@ -419,7 +418,8 @@ def create_vscode_settings():
             required_settings["python.analysis.exclude"] = DEFAULT_PYTHON_ANALYSIS_EXCLUDE
 
             with open(settings_file, 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
-                json.dump(required_settings, f, indent=4)
+                json.dump(required_settings, f, indent=2, sort_keys=True)
+                f.write('\n')
 
             print(f"✅ VS Code settings created: {settings_file}")
             print("   - Python interpreter configured for .venv")
@@ -502,7 +502,8 @@ def force_kernel_consistency():
         )
 
         with open(settings_file, 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
-            json.dump(merged_settings, f, indent=4)
+            json.dump(merged_settings, f, indent=2)
+            f.write('\n')
 
         print("✅ Kernel trust refreshed without overriding user settings")
         return True
@@ -522,8 +523,8 @@ def setup_complete_environment():
 
     print("🚀 Setting up complete APIM Samples environment...\n")
 
-    # Step 0: Check Azure prerequisites
-    print("0. Checking Azure prerequisites...")
+    # Step 1: Check Azure prerequisites
+    print("1/5) Checking Azure prerequisites...\n")
     azure_cli_ok = check_azure_cli_installed()
     bicep_ok = check_bicep_cli_installed()
     providers_ok = check_azure_providers_registered()
@@ -532,20 +533,20 @@ def setup_complete_environment():
         print("\n⚠️  Some Azure prerequisites are missing. Please address the issues above and re-run this script.")
         return
 
-    # Step 1: Generate .env file
-    print("\n1. Generating .env file for Python path configuration...")
+    # Step 2: Generate .env file
+    print("\n2/5) Generating .env file for Python path configuration...")
     generate_env_file()
 
-    # Step 2: Register Jupyter kernel
-    print("2. Registering standardized Jupyter kernel...")
+    # Step 3: Register Jupyter kernel
+    print("3/5) Registering standardized Jupyter kernel...\n")
     kernel_success = install_jupyter_kernel()
 
-    # Step 3: Configure VS Code settings with minimal, merged defaults
-    print("\n3. Configuring VS Code workspace settings...")
+    # Step 4: Configure VS Code settings with minimal, merged defaults
+    print("\n4/5) Configuring VS Code workspace settings...\n")
     vscode_success = create_vscode_settings()
 
-    # Step 4: Enforce kernel consistency
-    print("\n4. Enforcing kernel consistency for future reliability...")
+    # Step 5: Enforce kernel consistency
+    print("\n5/5) Enforcing kernel consistency for future reliability...\n")
     consistency_success = force_kernel_consistency()
 
     # Summary
diff --git a/setup/verify_local_setup.py b/setup/verify_local_setup.py
index f1538de..6e44e82 100644
--- a/setup/verify_local_setup.py
+++ b/setup/verify_local_setup.py
@@ -199,7 +199,9 @@ def check_azure_cli():
     try:
         result = subprocess.run([az_path, '--version'], capture_output=True, text=True, check=True)
         version_line = (result.stdout.splitlines() or ["unknown version"])[0].strip()
-        print_status(f"Azure CLI is installed ({version_line})")
+        # Extract just the version number from "azure-cli                         2.81.0"
+        version = version_line.split()[-1] if version_line else "unknown"
+        print_status(f"Azure CLI is installed ({version})")
         return True
     except subprocess.CalledProcessError:
         print_status("Azure CLI is not installed or not in PATH", False)
@@ -216,7 +218,16 @@ def check_bicep_cli():
     try:
         result = subprocess.run([az_path, 'bicep', 'version'], capture_output=True, text=True, check=True)
         version_line = (result.stdout.splitlines() or ["unknown version"])[0].strip()
-        print_status(f"Azure Bicep CLI is installed (az bicep version: {version_line})")
+        # Extract version number from "Bicep CLI version 0.39.26 (1e90b06e40)"
+        version = "unknown"
+        if "version" in version_line.lower():
+            parts = version_line.split()
+            # Find index of "version" and get the next part
+            for i, part in enumerate(parts):
+                if part.lower() == "version" and i + 1 < len(parts):
+                    version = parts[i + 1]
+                    break
+        print_status(f"Azure Bicep CLI is installed ({version})")
         return True
     except subprocess.CalledProcessError:
         print_status("Azure Bicep CLI is not installed. Install with: az bicep install", False)
@@ -262,10 +273,10 @@ def check_azure_providers():
             print(f"      - {provider}")
 
         if not missing_providers:
-            print_status("All required Azure providers are registered")
+            print_status("\nAll required Azure providers are registered")
             return True
 
-        print_status(f"Missing {len(missing_providers)} provider(s): {', '.join(missing_providers)}", False)
+        print_status(f"\nMissing {len(missing_providers)} provider(s): {', '.join(missing_providers)}", False)
         print("   Register missing providers with:")
         for provider in missing_providers:
             print(f"   az provider register -n {provider}")
diff --git a/tests/python/check_python.ps1 b/tests/python/check_python.ps1
index 87dd9b4..0850c41 100644
--- a/tests/python/check_python.ps1
+++ b/tests/python/check_python.ps1
@@ -100,6 +100,46 @@ foreach ($Line in $TestOutput) {
 
 $TotalTests = $PassedTests + $FailedTests
 
+# Parse coverage from coverage.json
+$CoveragePercent = $null
+$CoverageJsonPath = Join-Path $ScriptDir "..\..\coverage.json"
+if (Test-Path $CoverageJsonPath) {
+    try {
+        $CoverageData = Get-Content $CoverageJsonPath -Raw | ConvertFrom-Json
+        if ($CoverageData.totals -and $CoverageData.totals.percent_covered) {
+            $CoveragePercent = $CoverageData.totals.percent_covered
+        }
+    }
+    catch {
+        # Silently continue if coverage parsing fails
+    }
+}
+
+# Fallback: Parse coverage from pytest output (e.g., "TOTAL ... 95%")
+if ($CoveragePercent -eq $null) {
+    foreach ($Line in $TestOutput) {
+        $LineStr = $Line.ToString()
+        if ($LineStr -match 'TOTAL\s+.*\s+(\d+)%') {
+            $CoveragePercent = [int]::Parse($matches[1])
+            break
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+# Detect slow tests (>0.1s execution time)
+$SlowTestsFound = $false
+foreach ($Line in $TestOutput) {
+    $LineStr = $Line.ToString()
+    # Match lines like "1.23s call test_file.py::test_name"
+    if ($LineStr -match '(\d+\.\d+)s\s+call\s+') {
+        $time = [double]::Parse($matches[1])
+        if ($time -gt 0.1) {
+            $SlowTestsFound = $true
+            break
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 Write-Host ""
 
 
@@ -131,11 +171,11 @@ $LintColor = if ($LintExitCode -eq 0) { "Green" } else { "Yellow" }
 $TestColor = if ($TestExitCode -eq 0) { "Green" } else { "Red" }
 
 # Calculate column widths for alignment
-$LabelWidth = "Pylint :".Length  # 7
+$LabelWidth = "Pylint   :".Length  # 7
 $Padding = " " * ($LabelWidth - 1)
 
 # Display Pylint status with score
-Write-Host "Pylint : " -NoNewline
+Write-Host "Pylint   : " -NoNewline
 Write-Host $LintStatus -ForegroundColor $LintColor -NoNewline
 if ($PylintScore) {
     Write-Host " ($PylintScore)" -ForegroundColor Gray
@@ -144,19 +184,43 @@ if ($PylintScore) {
 }
 
 # Display Test status with counts
-Write-Host "Tests  : " -NoNewline
+Write-Host "Tests    : " -NoNewline
 Write-Host $TestStatus -ForegroundColor $TestColor
 
-# Display test counts with right-aligned numbers
+# Display test counts with right-aligned numbers and percentages
 if ($TotalTests -gt 0) {
     # Calculate padding for right-alignment (max 5 digits)
     $TotalPadded = "{0,5}" -f $TotalTests
     $PassedPadded = "{0,5}" -f $PassedTests
     $FailedPadded = "{0,5}" -f $FailedTests
 
-    Write-Host "          • Total  : $TotalPadded" -ForegroundColor Gray
-    Write-Host "          • Passed : $PassedPadded" -ForegroundColor Gray
-    Write-Host "          • Failed : $FailedPadded" -ForegroundColor Gray
+    # Calculate percentages
+    $PassedPercent = ($PassedTests / $TotalTests * 100)
+    $FailedPercent = ($FailedTests / $TotalTests * 100)
+    $PassedPercentStr = "{0,6:F2}" -f $PassedPercent
+    $FailedPercentStr = "{0,6:F2}" -f $FailedPercent
+
+    Write-Host "            • Total  : $TotalPadded" -ForegroundColor Gray
+    Write-Host "            • Passed : $PassedPadded (" -ForegroundColor Gray -NoNewline
+    Write-Host $PassedPercentStr -ForegroundColor Gray -NoNewline
+    Write-Host "%)" -ForegroundColor Gray
+    Write-Host "            • Failed : $FailedPadded (" -ForegroundColor Gray -NoNewline
+    Write-Host $FailedPercentStr -ForegroundColor Gray -NoNewline
+    Write-Host "%)" -ForegroundColor Gray
+}
+
+# Display code coverage
+if ($CoveragePercent -ne $null) {
+    Write-Host "Coverage : " -NoNewline
+    Write-Host "📊 " -NoNewline
+    Write-Host ("{0:F2}" -f $CoveragePercent) -ForegroundColor Cyan -NoNewline
+    Write-Host "%" -ForegroundColor Cyan
+}
+
+# Display slow tests warning if detected
+if ($SlowTestsFound) {
+    Write-Host ""
+    Write-Host "⚠️  SLOW TESTS DETECTED (> 0.1s). Please review slowest durations in test summary." -ForegroundColor Yellow
 }
 
 Write-Host ""
diff --git a/tests/python/check_python.sh b/tests/python/check_python.sh
index 0e3093f..55c5ac8 100644
--- a/tests/python/check_python.sh
+++ b/tests/python/check_python.sh
@@ -79,6 +79,27 @@ PASSED_TESTS=$(echo "$TEST_OUTPUT" | grep -oE '[0-9]+ passed' | head -1 | grep -
 FAILED_TESTS=$(echo "$TEST_OUTPUT" | grep -oE '[0-9]+ failed' | head -1 | grep -oE '[0-9]+' || echo "0")
 TOTAL_TESTS=$((PASSED_TESTS + FAILED_TESTS))
 
+# Parse coverage from pytest output (e.g., "TOTAL ... 95%")
+COVERAGE_PERCENT=""
+if echo "$TEST_OUTPUT" | grep -qE 'TOTAL\s+.*\s+\d+%'; then
+    COVERAGE_PERCENT=$(echo "$TEST_OUTPUT" | grep -oE 'TOTAL\s+.*\s+(\d+)%' | grep -oE '[0-9]+%' | head -1)
+fi
+
+# Detect slow tests (>0.1s execution time)
+SLOW_TESTS_FOUND=0
+if echo "$TEST_OUTPUT" | grep -qE '[0-9]+\.[0-9]+s\s+call\s+'; then
+    # Check each line with slow test pattern for times > 0.1
+    while IFS= read -r line; do
+        if [[ $line =~ ^([0-9]+\.[0-9]+)s\ +call ]]; then
+            time="${BASH_REMATCH[1]}"
+            if (( $(echo "$time > 0.1" | bc -l) )); then
+                SLOW_TESTS_FOUND=1
+                break
+            fi
+        fi
+    done <<< "$(echo "$TEST_OUTPUT" | grep -E '[0-9]+\.[0-9]+s\s+call\s+')"
+fi
+
 echo ""
 
 
@@ -106,17 +127,32 @@ else
 fi
 
 # Display results with proper alignment
-echo "Pylint : $LINT_STATUS"
+echo "Pylint   : $LINT_STATUS"
 if [ -n "$PYLINT_SCORE" ]; then
-    echo "         ($PYLINT_SCORE)"
+    echo "             ($PYLINT_SCORE)"
 fi
 
-echo "Tests  : $TEST_STATUS"
+echo "Tests    : $TEST_STATUS"
 if [ $TOTAL_TESTS -gt 0 ]; then
+    # Calculate percentages (using bc for floating point)
+    PASSED_PERCENT=$(echo "scale=2; $PASSED_TESTS / $TOTAL_TESTS * 100" | bc)
+    FAILED_PERCENT=$(echo "scale=2; $FAILED_TESTS / $TOTAL_TESTS * 100" | bc)
+
     # Right-align numbers with padding
-    printf "          • Total  : %5d\n" "$TOTAL_TESTS"
-    printf "          • Passed : %5d\n" "$PASSED_TESTS"
-    printf "          • Failed : %5d\n" "$FAILED_TESTS"
+    printf "            • Total  : %5d\n" "$TOTAL_TESTS"
+    printf "            • Passed : %5d (% 6.2f%%)\n" "$PASSED_TESTS" "$PASSED_PERCENT"
+    printf "            • Failed : %5d (% 6.2f%%)\n" "$FAILED_TESTS" "$FAILED_PERCENT"
+fi
+
+# Display code coverage
+if [ -n "$COVERAGE_PERCENT" ]; then
+    echo "Coverage : 📊 ${COVERAGE_PERCENT}"
+fi
+
+# Display slow tests warning if detected
+if [ $SLOW_TESTS_FOUND -eq 1 ]; then
+    echo ""
+    echo "⚠️  SLOW TESTS DETECTED (> 0.1s). Please review slowest durations in test summary." | sed 's/^/\e[33m/;s/$/\e[0m/'  # Yellow color
 fi
 
 echo ""
diff --git a/tests/python/run_tests.ps1 b/tests/python/run_tests.ps1
index 0fd5d65..d153352 100644
--- a/tests/python/run_tests.ps1
+++ b/tests/python/run_tests.ps1
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ $env:PYTHONUNBUFFERED = "1"
 Push-Location $RepoRoot
 try {
 	$env:COVERAGE_FILE = (Join-Path $RepoRoot ".coverage")
-	pytest -v --color=yes --cov=shared/python --cov-config=tests/python/.coveragerc --cov-report=html:tests/python/htmlcov --cov-report=xml:coverage.xml --cov-report=json:coverage.json tests/python/
+	pytest -v --color=yes --durations=3 --durations-min=0.1 --cov=shared/python --cov-config=tests/python/.coveragerc --cov-report=html:tests/python/htmlcov --cov-report=xml:coverage.xml --cov-report=json:coverage.json tests/python/
 
 	# Display coverage summary
 	Write-Host "`nCoverage Summary:" -ForegroundColor Green
diff --git a/tests/python/run_tests.sh b/tests/python/run_tests.sh
index 69e4dc2..79b1e14 100644
--- a/tests/python/run_tests.sh
+++ b/tests/python/run_tests.sh
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ REPO_ROOT="$(cd "${SCRIPT_DIR}/../.." && pwd)"
 cd "${REPO_ROOT}"
 
 export COVERAGE_FILE=".coverage"
-pytest -v --color=yes --cov=shared/python --cov-config=tests/python/.coveragerc --cov-report=html:htmlcov --cov-report=xml:coverage.xml --cov-report=json:coverage.json tests/python/
+pytest -v --color=yes --durations=3 --durations-min=0.1 --cov=shared/python --cov-config=tests/python/.coveragerc --cov-report=html:tests/python/htmlcov --cov-report=xml:coverage.xml --cov-report=json:coverage.json tests/python/
 
 # Display coverage summary
 echo ""
diff --git a/tests/python/test_apimrequests.py b/tests/python/test_apimrequests.py
index 5e2066e..eff33df 100644
--- a/tests/python/test_apimrequests.py
+++ b/tests/python/test_apimrequests.py
@@ -155,7 +155,7 @@ def test_request_header_merging():
 def test_init_missing_url():
     # Negative: missing URL should raise TypeError
     with pytest.raises(TypeError):
-        ApimRequests()
+        ApimRequests()  # pylint: disable=no-value-for-parameter
 
 @pytest.mark.http
 def test_print_response_code_edge():
diff --git a/tests/python/test_apimtesting.py b/tests/python/test_apimtesting.py
index 94454cc..ba5207f 100644
--- a/tests/python/test_apimtesting.py
+++ b/tests/python/test_apimtesting.py
@@ -28,7 +28,7 @@ def test_apimtesting_init_default():
     assert not testing.tests_passed
     assert not testing.tests_failed
     assert not testing.total_tests
-    assert testing.errors == []
+    assert not testing.errors
 
 
 def test_apimtesting_init_with_parameters():
@@ -39,13 +39,10 @@ def test_apimtesting_init_with_parameters():
         deployment=INFRASTRUCTURE.SIMPLE_APIM
     )
 
-    assert testing.test_suite_name == 'Custom Tests'
-    assert testing.sample_name == 'test-sample'
-    assert testing.deployment == INFRASTRUCTURE.SIMPLE_APIM
     assert not testing.tests_passed
     assert not testing.tests_failed
     assert not testing.total_tests
-    assert testing.errors == []
+    assert not testing.errors
 
 
 # ------------------------------
diff --git a/tests/python/test_azure_resources.py b/tests/python/test_azure_resources.py
index ca245ad..9a1d8c5 100644
--- a/tests/python/test_azure_resources.py
+++ b/tests/python/test_azure_resources.py
@@ -820,7 +820,7 @@ def fake_run(cmd, *args, **kwargs):
     monkeypatch.setattr('azure_resources.run', fake_run)
 
     result = az.find_infrastructure_instances(INFRASTRUCTURE.AFD_APIM_PE)
-    assert result == []
+    assert not result
 
 
 # ------------------------------
@@ -1821,7 +1821,7 @@ class TestGetAppGwEndpoint:
     """Test get_appgw_endpoint function."""
 
     def test_get_appgw_endpoint_not_found(self, monkeypatch):
-        suppress_module_functions(monkeypatch, az, ['print_val'])
+        suppress_module_functions(monkeypatch, az, ['print_ok', 'print_warning'])
 
         with patch('azure_resources.run') as mock_run:
             mock_run.return_value = Output(False, 'No gateways found')
@@ -1835,7 +1835,15 @@ def test_get_appgw_endpoint_not_found(self, monkeypatch):
 class TestGetUniqueInfraSuffix:
     """Test get_unique_suffix_for_resource_group function."""
 
-    def test_get_unique_suffix_empty_rg(self):
+    def test_get_unique_suffix_empty_rg(self, monkeypatch):
+        # Mock the run function to avoid actual Azure CLI deployment
+        def mock_run(cmd, *args, **kwargs):
+            output = Mock()
+            output.success = True
+            output.text = 'abcd1234efgh5'
+            return output
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr('azure_resources.run', mock_run)
         result = az.get_unique_suffix_for_resource_group('')
         assert isinstance(result, str)
 
@@ -1855,7 +1863,7 @@ def mock_run(cmd, *args, **kwargs):
         monkeypatch.setattr('azure_resources.run', mock_run)
 
         result = az.find_infrastructure_instances(INFRASTRUCTURE.SIMPLE_APIM)
-        assert result == []
+        assert not result
 
 
 class TestGetInfraRgName:
diff --git a/tests/python/test_azure_resources_run.py b/tests/python/test_azure_resources_run.py
index d906d61..0eb9256 100644
--- a/tests/python/test_azure_resources_run.py
+++ b/tests/python/test_azure_resources_run.py
@@ -39,11 +39,13 @@ def _quiet_console(monkeypatch: pytest.MonkeyPatch) -> None:
 def test_run_adds_az_debug_flag_and_keeps_stdout_clean_when_success(_quiet_console: None) -> None:
     completed = SimpleNamespace(stdout='{"ok": true}', stderr='DEBUG: noisy stderr', returncode=0)
 
-    with patch.object(az, 'is_debug_enabled', return_value=True), patch.object(az.subprocess, 'run', return_value=completed) as sp_run:
+    with patch.object(az, 'is_debug_enabled', return_value=True), \
+         patch.object(az.subprocess, 'run', return_value=completed) as sp_run, \
+         patch.object(az, 'print_plain') as mock_print_plain:
         output = az.run('az group list -o json')
 
     assert output.success is True
-    assert output.text == '{"ok": true}'
+    assert output.text == '{\"ok\": true}'
 
     called_command = sp_run.call_args.args[0]
     assert called_command.startswith('az group list')
@@ -54,7 +56,7 @@ def test_run_adds_az_debug_flag_and_keeps_stdout_clean_when_success(_quiet_conso
     assert sp_run.call_args.kwargs['text'] is True
 
     # stderr debug noise should still be logged at DEBUG.
-    assert any(call.kwargs.get('level') == logging.DEBUG for call in az.print_plain.call_args_list)
+    assert any(call.kwargs.get('level') == logging.DEBUG for call in mock_print_plain.call_args_list)
 
 
 def test_run_does_not_add_debug_flag_when_not_debug_enabled(_quiet_console: None) -> None:
diff --git a/tests/python/test_infrastructures.py b/tests/python/test_infrastructures.py
index 9e1f495..870ecd5 100644
--- a/tests/python/test_infrastructures.py
+++ b/tests/python/test_infrastructures.py
@@ -805,19 +805,19 @@ def test_infrastructure_with_all_custom_components(mock_utils, mock_policy_fragm
 def test_infrastructure_missing_required_params():
     """Test Infrastructure creation with missing required parameters."""
     with pytest.raises(TypeError):
-        infrastructures.Infrastructure()
+        infrastructures.Infrastructure()  # pylint: disable=no-value-for-parameter
 
     with pytest.raises(TypeError):
-        infrastructures.Infrastructure(infra=INFRASTRUCTURE.SIMPLE_APIM)
+        infrastructures.Infrastructure(infra=INFRASTRUCTURE.SIMPLE_APIM)  # pylint: disable=no-value-for-parameter
 
 @pytest.mark.unit
 def test_concrete_infrastructure_missing_params():
     """Test concrete infrastructure classes with missing parameters."""
     with pytest.raises(TypeError):
-        infrastructures.SimpleApimInfrastructure()
+        infrastructures.SimpleApimInfrastructure()  # pylint: disable=no-value-for-parameter
 
     with pytest.raises(TypeError):
-        infrastructures.SimpleApimInfrastructure(rg_location=TEST_LOCATION)
+        infrastructures.SimpleApimInfrastructure(rg_location=TEST_LOCATION)  # pylint: disable=no-value-for-parameter
 
 
 # ------------------------------
@@ -1091,7 +1091,7 @@ def mock_run(command, ok_message=None, error_message=None, **kwargs):
             return Output(success=False, text='Deployment not found')
 
         # All other commands succeed
-        return Output(success=True, json_data=[])
+        return Output(success=True, text='[]')
 
     monkeypatch.setattr(infrastructures.az, 'run', mock_run)
     suppress_module_functions(monkeypatch, infrastructures, ['print_info', 'print_message'])
@@ -1257,7 +1257,7 @@ def mock_run(command, ok_message=None, error_message=None, **kwargs):
             return Output(success=False, text='Deployment not found')
         # Default empty lists for resource queries.
         if any(x in command for x in ['cognitiveservices account list', 'az apim list', 'az keyvault list']):
-            return Output(success=True, json_data=[])
+            return Output(success=True, text='[]')
         return Output(success=True, text='{}')
 
     monkeypatch.setattr(infrastructures.az, 'run', mock_run)
@@ -1460,13 +1460,11 @@ def mock_run(command, ok_message=None, error_message=None, **kwargs):
 
         # Return appropriate mock responses
         if 'deployment group show' in command:
-            return Output(success=True, json_data={
-                'properties': {'provisioningState': 'Succeeded'}
-            })
+            return Output(success=True, text='{"properties": {"provisioningState": "Succeeded"}}')
 
         # Return empty lists for resource queries to avoid complex mocking
         if any(x in command for x in ['list -g', 'list']):
-            return Output(success=True, json_data=[])
+            return Output(success=True, text='[]')
 
         return Output(success=True, text='{}')
 
@@ -3873,7 +3871,7 @@ def mock_run(command, ok_msg=None, error_msg=None):
         if 'cognitiveservices account list' in command:
             return Output(success=False, text='List failed')
         if 'apim list' in command or 'keyvault list' in command:
-            return Output(success=True, json_data=[])
+            return Output(success=True, text='[]')
         return Output(success=True, text='{}')
 
     monkeypatch.setattr(infrastructures.az, 'run', mock_run)
@@ -3977,7 +3975,7 @@ def mock_run(command, ok_msg=None, error_msg=None):
         if 'deployment group show' in command:
             return Output(success=True, text='{}')
         if any(x in command for x in ['cognitiveservices', 'apim', 'keyvault']):
-            return Output(success=True, json_data=[])
+            return Output(success=True, text='[]')
         return Output(success=True, text='{}')
 
     monkeypatch.setattr(infrastructures.az, 'run', mock_run)
@@ -4391,8 +4389,10 @@ def test_appgw_apim_pe_deploy_approve_private_link_failure(mock_utils, mock_az):
 
 
 @pytest.mark.unit
-def test_appgw_apim_pe_deploy_disable_public_access_failure(mock_utils, mock_az):
+def test_appgw_apim_pe_deploy_disable_public_access_failure(mock_utils, mock_az, monkeypatch):
     """Test AppGwApimPeInfrastructure deploy when disabling public access fails."""
+    suppress_module_functions(monkeypatch, infrastructures, ['print_plain', 'print_ok', 'print_error', 'print_info', 'print_command'])
+    mock_utils.Output.side_effect = Output
     infra = infrastructures.AppGwApimPeInfrastructure(rg_location='eastus', index=1)
 
     # Create mock output with all required properties for AppGW
@@ -4404,17 +4404,16 @@ def test_appgw_apim_pe_deploy_disable_public_access_failure(mock_utils, mock_az)
         'appgwPublicIpAddress': {'value': '1.2.3.4'}
     }
 
-    # Create the failure output that will be returned by utils.Output()
-    failure_output = Output(False, 'Failed to disable public access')
-    mock_utils.Output.return_value = failure_output
+    # Mock all the infrastructure methods directly on the instance
+    infra._create_keyvault = Mock(return_value=True)
+    infra._create_keyvault_certificate = Mock(return_value=True)
+    infra._approve_private_link_connections = Mock(return_value=True)
+    infra._verify_apim_connectivity = Mock(return_value=True)
+    infra._disable_apim_public_access = Mock(return_value=False)
 
-    with patch.object(infra, '_create_keyvault', return_value=True):
-        with patch.object(infra, '_create_keyvault_certificate', return_value=True):
-            with patch.object(infrastructures.Infrastructure, 'deploy_infrastructure', return_value=mock_output):
-                with patch.object(infra, '_approve_private_link_connections', return_value=True):
-                    with patch.object(infra, '_disable_apim_public_access', return_value=False):
-                        result = infra.deploy_infrastructure()
-                        assert result.success is False and 'public access' in result.text.lower()
+    with patch.object(infrastructures.Infrastructure, 'deploy_infrastructure', return_value=mock_output):
+        result = infra.deploy_infrastructure()
+        assert result.success is False and 'public access' in result.text.lower()
 
 
 @pytest.mark.unit
@@ -4604,17 +4603,11 @@ def mock_run(command, ok_msg=None, error_msg=None):
         if 'deployment group show' in command:
             return Output(success=True, text='{}')
         if 'cognitiveservices account list' in command:
-            return Output(success=True, json_data=[
-                {'name': f'cog-{i}', 'location': 'eastus'} for i in range(5)
-            ])
+            return Output(success=True, text=json.dumps([{'name': f'cog-{i}', 'location': 'eastus'} for i in range(5)]))
         if 'apim list' in command:
-            return Output(success=True, json_data=[
-                {'name': f'apim-{i}', 'location': 'westus'} for i in range(3)
-            ])
+            return Output(success=True, text=json.dumps([{'name': f'apim-{i}', 'location': 'westus'} for i in range(3)]))
         if 'keyvault list' in command:
-            return Output(success=True, json_data=[
-                {'name': f'kv-{i}', 'location': 'northeurope'} for i in range(7)
-            ])
+            return Output(success=True, text=json.dumps([{'name': f'kv-{i}', 'location': 'northeurope'} for i in range(7)]))
         return Output(success=True, text='{}')
 
     def mock_cleanup_parallel(resources, thread_prefix, thread_color):
diff --git a/tests/python/test_slowness_detection.py b/tests/python/test_slowness_detection.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..76f4e89
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/python/test_slowness_detection.py
@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+"""Verification tests for test infrastructure slowness detection."""
+
+#from __future__ import annotations
+
+
+# @pytest.mark.unit
+# def test_slowness_detection_verification():
+#     """Intentionally slow test to verify slowness detection feature works.
+
+#     This test adds a deliberate delay to verify that the check_python.ps1 and
+#     check_python.sh scripts properly detect and highlight slow tests (>0.1s).
+
+#     The test is intentionally commented out as to not pollute the test results.
+
+#     The pytest durations output should show this test taking >0.1s, and the
+#     check scripts should display a yellow warning message with guidance to review
+#     slowest durations in the test summary.
+#     """
+#     time.sleep(0.15)  # Sleep 150ms to exceed 0.1s threshold
+#     assert True
diff --git a/tests/python/test_utils.py b/tests/python/test_utils.py
index 520c2e1..01fb7a8 100644
--- a/tests/python/test_utils.py
+++ b/tests/python/test_utils.py
@@ -1378,7 +1378,7 @@ def test_find_infrastructure_instances_no_results(monkeypatch):
     monkeypatch.setattr(az, 'run', lambda cmd, *args, **kwargs: utils.Output(False, 'no results'))
 
     result = az.find_infrastructure_instances(INFRASTRUCTURE.SIMPLE_APIM)
-    assert result == []
+    assert not result
 
 def test_find_infrastructure_instances_with_index(monkeypatch):
     """Test find_infrastructure_instances with indexed resource groups."""
@@ -1677,10 +1677,10 @@ def test_infrastructure_notebook_helper_allow_update_false(monkeypatch, suppress
 def test_infrastructure_notebook_helper_missing_args():
     """Test InfrastructureNotebookHelper requires all arguments."""
     with pytest.raises(TypeError):
-        utils.InfrastructureNotebookHelper()
+        utils.InfrastructureNotebookHelper()  # pylint: disable=no-value-for-parameter
 
     with pytest.raises(TypeError):
-        utils.InfrastructureNotebookHelper('eastus')
+        utils.InfrastructureNotebookHelper('eastus')  # pylint: disable=no-value-for-parameter
 
 
 def test_does_infrastructure_exist_with_prompt_multiple_retries(monkeypatch, suppress_console):