diff --git a/examples/kademlia/kademlia.py b/examples/kademlia/kademlia.py
index 5daa70d76..faaa66be7 100644
--- a/examples/kademlia/kademlia.py
+++ b/examples/kademlia/kademlia.py
@@ -41,6 +41,7 @@
 from libp2p.tools.utils import (
     info_from_p2p_addr,
 )
+from libp2p.utils.paths import get_script_dir, join_paths
 
 # Configure logging
 logging.basicConfig(
@@ -53,8 +54,8 @@
 # Configure DHT module loggers to inherit from the parent logger
 # This ensures all kademlia-example.* loggers use the same configuration
 # Get the directory where this script is located
-SCRIPT_DIR = os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
-SERVER_ADDR_LOG = os.path.join(SCRIPT_DIR, "server_node_addr.txt")
+SCRIPT_DIR = get_script_dir(__file__)
+SERVER_ADDR_LOG = join_paths(SCRIPT_DIR, "server_node_addr.txt")
 
 # Set the level for all child loggers
 for module in [
diff --git a/libp2p/utils/logging.py b/libp2p/utils/logging.py
index 3458a41e7..b23136f51 100644
--- a/libp2p/utils/logging.py
+++ b/libp2p/utils/logging.py
@@ -1,7 +1,4 @@
 import atexit
-from datetime import (
-    datetime,
-)
 import logging
 import logging.handlers
 import os
@@ -21,6 +18,9 @@
 # Store the current listener to stop it on exit
 _current_listener: logging.handlers.QueueListener | None = None
 
+# Store the handlers for proper cleanup
+_current_handlers: list[logging.Handler] = []
+
 # Event to track when the listener is ready
 _listener_ready = threading.Event()
 
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ def setup_logging() -> None:
         - Child loggers inherit their parent's level unless explicitly set
         - The root libp2p logger controls the default level
     """
-    global _current_listener, _listener_ready
+    global _current_listener, _listener_ready, _current_handlers
 
     # Reset the event
     _listener_ready.clear()
@@ -105,6 +105,12 @@ def setup_logging() -> None:
         _current_listener.stop()
         _current_listener = None
 
+    # Close and clear existing handlers
+    for handler in _current_handlers:
+        if isinstance(handler, logging.FileHandler):
+            handler.close()
+    _current_handlers.clear()
+
     # Get the log level from environment variable
     debug_str = os.environ.get("LIBP2P_DEBUG", "")
 
@@ -148,13 +154,10 @@ def setup_logging() -> None:
         log_path = Path(log_file)
         log_path.parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
     else:
-        # Default log file with timestamp and unique identifier
-        timestamp = datetime.now().strftime("%Y%m%d_%H%M%S_%f")
-        unique_id = os.urandom(4).hex()  # Add a unique identifier to prevent collisions
-        if os.name == "nt":  # Windows
-            log_file = f"C:\\Windows\\Temp\\py-libp2p_{timestamp}_{unique_id}.log"
-        else:  # Unix-like
-            log_file = f"/tmp/py-libp2p_{timestamp}_{unique_id}.log"
+        # Use cross-platform temp file creation
+        from libp2p.utils.paths import create_temp_file
+
+        log_file = str(create_temp_file(prefix="py-libp2p_", suffix=".log"))
 
         # Print the log file path so users know where to find it
         print(f"Logging to: {log_file}", file=sys.stderr)
@@ -195,6 +198,9 @@ def setup_logging() -> None:
             logger.setLevel(level)
             logger.propagate = False  # Prevent message duplication
 
+    # Store handlers globally for cleanup
+    _current_handlers.extend(handlers)
+
     # Start the listener AFTER configuring all loggers
     _current_listener = logging.handlers.QueueListener(
         log_queue, *handlers, respect_handler_level=True
@@ -209,7 +215,13 @@ def setup_logging() -> None:
 @atexit.register
 def cleanup_logging() -> None:
     """Clean up logging resources on exit."""
-    global _current_listener
+    global _current_listener, _current_handlers
     if _current_listener is not None:
         _current_listener.stop()
         _current_listener = None
+
+    # Close all file handlers to ensure proper cleanup on Windows
+    for handler in _current_handlers:
+        if isinstance(handler, logging.FileHandler):
+            handler.close()
+    _current_handlers.clear()
diff --git a/libp2p/utils/paths.py b/libp2p/utils/paths.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..23f10dc6f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/libp2p/utils/paths.py
@@ -0,0 +1,267 @@
+"""
+Cross-platform path utilities for py-libp2p.
+
+This module provides standardized path operations to ensure consistent
+behavior across Windows, macOS, and Linux platforms.
+"""
+
+import os
+from pathlib import Path
+import sys
+import tempfile
+from typing import Union
+
+PathLike = Union[str, Path]
+
+
+def get_temp_dir() -> Path:
+    """
+    Get cross-platform temporary directory.
+
+    Returns:
+        Path: Platform-specific temporary directory path
+
+    """
+    return Path(tempfile.gettempdir())
+
+
+def get_project_root() -> Path:
+    """
+    Get the project root directory.
+
+    Returns:
+        Path: Path to the py-libp2p project root
+
+    """
+    # Navigate from libp2p/utils/paths.py to project root
+    return Path(__file__).parent.parent.parent
+
+
+def join_paths(*parts: PathLike) -> Path:
+    """
+    Cross-platform path joining.
+
+    Args:
+        *parts: Path components to join
+
+    Returns:
+        Path: Joined path using platform-appropriate separator
+
+    """
+    return Path(*parts)
+
+
+def ensure_dir_exists(path: PathLike) -> Path:
+    """
+    Ensure directory exists, create if needed.
+
+    Args:
+        path: Directory path to ensure exists
+
+    Returns:
+        Path: Path object for the directory
+
+    """
+    path_obj = Path(path)
+    path_obj.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
+    return path_obj
+
+
+def get_config_dir() -> Path:
+    """
+    Get user config directory (cross-platform).
+
+    Returns:
+        Path: Platform-specific config directory
+
+    """
+    if os.name == "nt":  # Windows
+        appdata = os.environ.get("APPDATA", "")
+        if appdata:
+            return Path(appdata) / "py-libp2p"
+        else:
+            # Fallback to user home directory
+            return Path.home() / "AppData" / "Roaming" / "py-libp2p"
+    else:  # Unix-like (Linux, macOS)
+        return Path.home() / ".config" / "py-libp2p"
+
+
+def get_script_dir(script_path: PathLike | None = None) -> Path:
+    """
+    Get the directory containing a script file.
+
+    Args:
+        script_path: Path to the script file. If None, uses __file__
+
+    Returns:
+        Path: Directory containing the script
+
+    Raises:
+        RuntimeError: If script path cannot be determined
+
+    """
+    if script_path is None:
+        # This will be the directory of the calling script
+        import inspect
+
+        frame = inspect.currentframe()
+        if frame and frame.f_back:
+            script_path = frame.f_back.f_globals.get("__file__")
+        else:
+            raise RuntimeError("Could not determine script path")
+
+    if script_path is None:
+        raise RuntimeError("Script path is None")
+
+    return Path(script_path).parent.absolute()
+
+
+def create_temp_file(prefix: str = "py-libp2p_", suffix: str = ".log") -> Path:
+    """
+    Create a temporary file with a unique name.
+
+    Args:
+        prefix: File name prefix
+        suffix: File name suffix
+
+    Returns:
+        Path: Path to the created temporary file
+
+    """
+    temp_dir = get_temp_dir()
+    # Create a unique filename using timestamp and random bytes
+    import secrets
+    import time
+
+    timestamp = time.strftime("%Y%m%d_%H%M%S")
+    microseconds = f"{time.time() % 1:.6f}"[2:]  # Get microseconds as string
+    unique_id = secrets.token_hex(4)
+    filename = f"{prefix}{timestamp}_{microseconds}_{unique_id}{suffix}"
+
+    temp_file = temp_dir / filename
+    # Create the file by touching it
+    temp_file.touch()
+    return temp_file
+
+
+def resolve_relative_path(base_path: PathLike, relative_path: PathLike) -> Path:
+    """
+    Resolve a relative path from a base path.
+
+    Args:
+        base_path: Base directory path
+        relative_path: Relative path to resolve
+
+    Returns:
+        Path: Resolved absolute path
+
+    """
+    base = Path(base_path).resolve()
+    relative = Path(relative_path)
+
+    if relative.is_absolute():
+        return relative
+    else:
+        return (base / relative).resolve()
+
+
+def normalize_path(path: PathLike) -> Path:
+    """
+    Normalize a path, resolving any symbolic links and relative components.
+
+    Args:
+        path: Path to normalize
+
+    Returns:
+        Path: Normalized absolute path
+
+    """
+    return Path(path).resolve()
+
+
+def get_venv_path() -> Path | None:
+    """
+    Get virtual environment path if active.
+
+    Returns:
+        Path: Virtual environment path if active, None otherwise
+
+    """
+    venv_path = os.environ.get("VIRTUAL_ENV")
+    if venv_path:
+        return Path(venv_path)
+    return None
+
+
+def get_python_executable() -> Path:
+    """
+    Get current Python executable path.
+
+    Returns:
+        Path: Path to the current Python executable
+
+    """
+    return Path(sys.executable)
+
+
+def find_executable(name: str) -> Path | None:
+    """
+    Find executable in system PATH.
+
+    Args:
+        name: Name of the executable to find
+
+    Returns:
+        Path: Path to executable if found, None otherwise
+
+    """
+    # Check if name already contains path
+    if os.path.dirname(name):
+        path = Path(name)
+        if path.exists() and os.access(path, os.X_OK):
+            return path
+        return None
+
+    # Search in PATH
+    for path_dir in os.environ.get("PATH", "").split(os.pathsep):
+        if not path_dir:
+            continue
+        path = Path(path_dir) / name
+        if path.exists() and os.access(path, os.X_OK):
+            return path
+
+    return None
+
+
+def get_script_binary_path() -> Path:
+    """
+    Get path to script's binary directory.
+
+    Returns:
+        Path: Directory containing the script's binary
+
+    """
+    return get_python_executable().parent
+
+
+def get_binary_path(binary_name: str) -> Path | None:
+    """
+    Find binary in PATH or virtual environment.
+
+    Args:
+        binary_name: Name of the binary to find
+
+    Returns:
+        Path: Path to binary if found, None otherwise
+
+    """
+    # First check in virtual environment if active
+    venv_path = get_venv_path()
+    if venv_path:
+        venv_bin = venv_path / "bin" if os.name != "nt" else venv_path / "Scripts"
+        binary_path = venv_bin / binary_name
+        if binary_path.exists() and os.access(binary_path, os.X_OK):
+            return binary_path
+
+    # Fall back to system PATH
+    return find_executable(binary_name)
diff --git a/newsfragments/886.bugfix.rst b/newsfragments/886.bugfix.rst
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..1ebf38d1b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/newsfragments/886.bugfix.rst
@@ -0,0 +1,2 @@
+Fixed cross-platform path handling by replacing hardcoded OS-specific
+paths with standardized utilities in core modules and examples.
diff --git a/scripts/audit_paths.py b/scripts/audit_paths.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..80df11f87
--- /dev/null
+++ b/scripts/audit_paths.py
@@ -0,0 +1,255 @@
+#!/usr/bin/env python3
+"""
+Audit script to identify path handling issues in the py-libp2p codebase.
+
+This script scans for patterns that should be migrated to use the new
+cross-platform path utilities.
+"""
+
+import argparse
+from pathlib import Path
+import re
+from typing import Any
+
+
+def scan_for_path_issues(directory: Path) -> dict[str, list[dict[str, Any]]]:
+    """
+    Scan for path handling issues in the codebase.
+
+    Args:
+        directory: Root directory to scan
+
+    Returns:
+        Dictionary mapping issue types to lists of found issues
+
+    """
+    issues = {
+        "hard_coded_slash": [],
+        "os_path_join": [],
+        "temp_hardcode": [],
+        "os_path_dirname": [],
+        "os_path_abspath": [],
+        "direct_path_concat": [],
+    }
+
+    # Patterns to search for
+    patterns = {
+        "hard_coded_slash": r'["\'][^"\']*\/[^"\']*["\']',
+        "os_path_join": r"os\.path\.join\(",
+        "temp_hardcode": r'["\']\/tmp\/|["\']C:\\\\',
+        "os_path_dirname": r"os\.path\.dirname\(",
+        "os_path_abspath": r"os\.path\.abspath\(",
+        "direct_path_concat": r'["\'][^"\']*["\']\s*\+\s*["\'][^"\']*["\']',
+    }
+
+    # Files to exclude
+    exclude_patterns = [
+        r"__pycache__",
+        r"\.git",
+        r"\.pytest_cache",
+        r"\.mypy_cache",
+        r"\.ruff_cache",
+        r"env/",
+        r"venv/",
+        r"\.venv/",
+    ]
+
+    for py_file in directory.rglob("*.py"):
+        # Skip excluded files
+        if any(re.search(pattern, str(py_file)) for pattern in exclude_patterns):
+            continue
+
+        try:
+            content = py_file.read_text(encoding="utf-8")
+        except UnicodeDecodeError:
+            print(f"Warning: Could not read {py_file} (encoding issue)")
+            continue
+
+        for issue_type, pattern in patterns.items():
+            matches = re.finditer(pattern, content, re.MULTILINE)
+            for match in matches:
+                line_num = content[: match.start()].count("\n") + 1
+                line_content = content.split("\n")[line_num - 1].strip()
+
+                issues[issue_type].append(
+                    {
+                        "file": py_file,
+                        "line": line_num,
+                        "content": match.group(),
+                        "full_line": line_content,
+                        "relative_path": py_file.relative_to(directory),
+                    }
+                )
+
+    return issues
+
+
+def generate_migration_suggestions(issues: dict[str, list[dict[str, Any]]]) -> str:
+    """
+    Generate migration suggestions for found issues.
+
+    Args:
+        issues: Dictionary of found issues
+
+    Returns:
+        Formatted string with migration suggestions
+
+    """
+    suggestions = []
+
+    for issue_type, issue_list in issues.items():
+        if not issue_list:
+            continue
+
+        suggestions.append(f"\n## {issue_type.replace('_', ' ').title()}")
+        suggestions.append(f"Found {len(issue_list)} instances:")
+
+        for issue in issue_list[:10]:  # Show first 10 examples
+            suggestions.append(f"\n### {issue['relative_path']}:{issue['line']}")
+            suggestions.append("```python")
+            suggestions.append("# Current code:")
+            suggestions.append(f"{issue['full_line']}")
+            suggestions.append("```")
+
+            # Add migration suggestion based on issue type
+            if issue_type == "os_path_join":
+                suggestions.append("```python")
+                suggestions.append("# Suggested fix:")
+                suggestions.append("from libp2p.utils.paths import join_paths")
+                suggestions.append(
+                    "# Replace os.path.join(a, b, c) with join_paths(a, b, c)"
+                )
+                suggestions.append("```")
+            elif issue_type == "temp_hardcode":
+                suggestions.append("```python")
+                suggestions.append("# Suggested fix:")
+                suggestions.append(
+                    "from libp2p.utils.paths import get_temp_dir, create_temp_file"
+                )
+                temp_fix_msg = (
+                    "# Replace hard-coded temp paths with get_temp_dir() or "
+                    "create_temp_file()"
+                )
+                suggestions.append(temp_fix_msg)
+                suggestions.append("```")
+            elif issue_type == "os_path_dirname":
+                suggestions.append("```python")
+                suggestions.append("# Suggested fix:")
+                suggestions.append("from libp2p.utils.paths import get_script_dir")
+                script_dir_fix_msg = (
+                    "# Replace os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__)) with "
+                    "get_script_dir(__file__)"
+                )
+                suggestions.append(script_dir_fix_msg)
+                suggestions.append("```")
+
+        if len(issue_list) > 10:
+            suggestions.append(f"\n... and {len(issue_list) - 10} more instances")
+
+    return "\n".join(suggestions)
+
+
+def generate_summary_report(issues: dict[str, list[dict[str, Any]]]) -> str:
+    """
+    Generate a summary report of all found issues.
+
+    Args:
+        issues: Dictionary of found issues
+
+    Returns:
+        Formatted summary report
+
+    """
+    total_issues = sum(len(issue_list) for issue_list in issues.values())
+
+    report = [
+        "# Cross-Platform Path Handling Audit Report",
+        "",
+        "## Summary",
+        f"Total issues found: {total_issues}",
+        "",
+        "## Issue Breakdown:",
+    ]
+
+    for issue_type, issue_list in issues.items():
+        if issue_list:
+            issue_title = issue_type.replace("_", " ").title()
+            instances_count = len(issue_list)
+            report.append(f"- **{issue_title}**: {instances_count} instances")
+
+    report.append("")
+    report.append("## Priority Matrix:")
+    report.append("")
+    report.append("| Priority | Issue Type | Risk Level | Impact |")
+    report.append("|----------|------------|------------|---------|")
+
+    priority_map = {
+        "temp_hardcode": (
+            "🔴 P0",
+            "HIGH",
+            "Core functionality fails on different platforms",
+        ),
+        "os_path_join": ("🟡 P1", "MEDIUM", "Examples and utilities may break"),
+        "os_path_dirname": ("🟡 P1", "MEDIUM", "Script location detection issues"),
+        "hard_coded_slash": ("🟢 P2", "LOW", "Future-proofing and consistency"),
+        "os_path_abspath": ("🟢 P2", "LOW", "Path resolution consistency"),
+        "direct_path_concat": ("🟢 P2", "LOW", "String concatenation issues"),
+    }
+
+    for issue_type, issue_list in issues.items():
+        if issue_list:
+            priority, risk, impact = priority_map.get(
+                issue_type, ("🟢 P2", "LOW", "General improvement")
+            )
+            issue_title = issue_type.replace("_", " ").title()
+            report.append(f"| {priority} | {issue_title} | {risk} | {impact} |")
+
+    return "\n".join(report)
+
+
+def main():
+    """Main function to run the audit."""
+    parser = argparse.ArgumentParser(
+        description="Audit py-libp2p codebase for path handling issues"
+    )
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--directory",
+        default=".",
+        help="Directory to scan (default: current directory)",
+    )
+    parser.add_argument("--output", help="Output file for detailed report")
+    parser.add_argument(
+        "--summary-only", action="store_true", help="Only show summary report"
+    )
+
+    args = parser.parse_args()
+
+    directory = Path(args.directory)
+    if not directory.exists():
+        print(f"Error: Directory {directory} does not exist")
+        return 1
+
+    print("🔍 Scanning for path handling issues...")
+    issues = scan_for_path_issues(directory)
+
+    # Generate and display summary
+    summary = generate_summary_report(issues)
+    print(summary)
+
+    if not args.summary_only:
+        # Generate detailed suggestions
+        suggestions = generate_migration_suggestions(issues)
+
+        if args.output:
+            with open(args.output, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
+                f.write(summary)
+                f.write(suggestions)
+            print(f"\n📄 Detailed report saved to {args.output}")
+        else:
+            print(suggestions)
+
+    return 0
+
+
+if __name__ == "__main__":
+    exit(main())
diff --git a/tests/utils/test_logging.py b/tests/utils/test_logging.py
index 603af5e1c..06be05c78 100644
--- a/tests/utils/test_logging.py
+++ b/tests/utils/test_logging.py
@@ -15,6 +15,7 @@
 import trio
 
 from libp2p.utils.logging import (
+    _current_handlers,
     _current_listener,
     _listener_ready,
     log_queue,
@@ -24,13 +25,19 @@
 
 def _reset_logging():
     """Reset all logging state."""
-    global _current_listener, _listener_ready
+    global _current_listener, _listener_ready, _current_handlers
 
     # Stop existing listener if any
     if _current_listener is not None:
         _current_listener.stop()
         _current_listener = None
 
+    # Close all file handlers to ensure proper cleanup on Windows
+    for handler in _current_handlers:
+        if isinstance(handler, logging.FileHandler):
+            handler.close()
+    _current_handlers.clear()
+
     # Reset the event
     _listener_ready = threading.Event()
 
@@ -174,6 +181,15 @@ async def test_custom_log_file(clean_env):
         if _current_listener is not None:
             _current_listener.stop()
 
+        # Give a moment for the listener to fully stop
+        await trio.sleep(0.05)
+
+        # Close all file handlers to release the file
+        for handler in _current_handlers:
+            if isinstance(handler, logging.FileHandler):
+                handler.flush()  # Ensure all writes are flushed
+                handler.close()
+
         # Check if the file exists and contains our message
         assert log_file.exists()
         content = log_file.read_text()
@@ -185,16 +201,15 @@ async def test_default_log_file(clean_env):
     """Test logging to the default file path."""
     os.environ["LIBP2P_DEBUG"] = "INFO"
 
-    with patch("libp2p.utils.logging.datetime") as mock_datetime:
-        # Mock the timestamp to have a predictable filename
-        mock_datetime.now.return_value.strftime.return_value = "20240101_120000"
+    with patch("libp2p.utils.paths.create_temp_file") as mock_create_temp:
+        # Mock the temp file creation to return a predictable path
+        mock_temp_file = (
+            Path(tempfile.gettempdir()) / "test_py-libp2p_20240101_120000.log"
+        )
+        mock_create_temp.return_value = mock_temp_file
 
         # Remove the log file if it exists
-        if os.name == "nt":  # Windows
-            log_file = Path("C:/Windows/Temp/20240101_120000_py-libp2p.log")
-        else:  # Unix-like
-            log_file = Path("/tmp/20240101_120000_py-libp2p.log")
-        log_file.unlink(missing_ok=True)
+        mock_temp_file.unlink(missing_ok=True)
 
         setup_logging()
 
@@ -211,9 +226,18 @@ async def test_default_log_file(clean_env):
         if _current_listener is not None:
             _current_listener.stop()
 
-        # Check the default log file
-        if log_file.exists():  # Only check content if we have write permission
-            content = log_file.read_text()
+        # Give a moment for the listener to fully stop
+        await trio.sleep(0.05)
+
+        # Close all file handlers to release the file
+        for handler in _current_handlers:
+            if isinstance(handler, logging.FileHandler):
+                handler.flush()  # Ensure all writes are flushed
+                handler.close()
+
+        # Check the mocked temp file
+        if mock_temp_file.exists():
+            content = mock_temp_file.read_text()
             assert "Test message" in content
 
 
diff --git a/tests/utils/test_paths.py b/tests/utils/test_paths.py
new file mode 100644
index 000000000..421fc557a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/utils/test_paths.py
@@ -0,0 +1,290 @@
+"""
+Tests for cross-platform path utilities.
+"""
+
+import os
+from pathlib import Path
+import tempfile
+
+import pytest
+
+from libp2p.utils.paths import (
+    create_temp_file,
+    ensure_dir_exists,
+    find_executable,
+    get_binary_path,
+    get_config_dir,
+    get_project_root,
+    get_python_executable,
+    get_script_binary_path,
+    get_script_dir,
+    get_temp_dir,
+    get_venv_path,
+    join_paths,
+    normalize_path,
+    resolve_relative_path,
+)
+
+
+class TestPathUtilities:
+    """Test cross-platform path utilities."""
+
+    def test_get_temp_dir(self):
+        """Test that temp directory is accessible and exists."""
+        temp_dir = get_temp_dir()
+        assert isinstance(temp_dir, Path)
+        assert temp_dir.exists()
+        assert temp_dir.is_dir()
+        # Should match system temp directory
+        assert temp_dir == Path(tempfile.gettempdir())
+
+    def test_get_project_root(self):
+        """Test that project root is correctly determined."""
+        project_root = get_project_root()
+        assert isinstance(project_root, Path)
+        assert project_root.exists()
+        # Should contain pyproject.toml
+        assert (project_root / "pyproject.toml").exists()
+        # Should contain libp2p directory
+        assert (project_root / "libp2p").exists()
+
+    def test_join_paths(self):
+        """Test cross-platform path joining."""
+        # Test with strings
+        result = join_paths("a", "b", "c")
+        expected = Path("a") / "b" / "c"
+        assert result == expected
+
+        # Test with mixed types
+        result = join_paths("a", Path("b"), "c")
+        expected = Path("a") / "b" / "c"
+        assert result == expected
+
+        # Test with absolute path
+        result = join_paths("/absolute", "path")
+        expected = Path("/absolute") / "path"
+        assert result == expected
+
+    def test_ensure_dir_exists(self, tmp_path):
+        """Test directory creation and existence checking."""
+        # Test creating new directory
+        new_dir = tmp_path / "new_dir"
+        result = ensure_dir_exists(new_dir)
+        assert result == new_dir
+        assert new_dir.exists()
+        assert new_dir.is_dir()
+
+        # Test creating nested directory
+        nested_dir = tmp_path / "parent" / "child" / "grandchild"
+        result = ensure_dir_exists(nested_dir)
+        assert result == nested_dir
+        assert nested_dir.exists()
+        assert nested_dir.is_dir()
+
+        # Test with existing directory
+        result = ensure_dir_exists(new_dir)
+        assert result == new_dir
+        assert new_dir.exists()
+
+    def test_get_config_dir(self):
+        """Test platform-specific config directory."""
+        config_dir = get_config_dir()
+        assert isinstance(config_dir, Path)
+
+        if os.name == "nt":  # Windows
+            # Should be in AppData/Roaming or user home
+            assert "AppData" in str(config_dir) or "py-libp2p" in str(config_dir)
+        else:  # Unix-like
+            # Should be in ~/.config
+            assert ".config" in str(config_dir)
+            assert "py-libp2p" in str(config_dir)
+
+    def test_get_script_dir(self):
+        """Test script directory detection."""
+        # Test with current file
+        script_dir = get_script_dir(__file__)
+        assert isinstance(script_dir, Path)
+        assert script_dir.exists()
+        assert script_dir.is_dir()
+        # Should contain this test file
+        assert (script_dir / "test_paths.py").exists()
+
+    def test_create_temp_file(self):
+        """Test temporary file creation."""
+        temp_file = create_temp_file()
+        assert isinstance(temp_file, Path)
+        assert temp_file.parent == get_temp_dir()
+        assert temp_file.name.startswith("py-libp2p_")
+        assert temp_file.name.endswith(".log")
+
+        # Test with custom prefix and suffix
+        temp_file = create_temp_file(prefix="test_", suffix=".txt")
+        assert temp_file.name.startswith("test_")
+        assert temp_file.name.endswith(".txt")
+
+    def test_resolve_relative_path(self, tmp_path):
+        """Test relative path resolution."""
+        base_path = tmp_path / "base"
+        base_path.mkdir()
+
+        # Test relative path
+        relative_path = "subdir/file.txt"
+        result = resolve_relative_path(base_path, relative_path)
+        expected = (base_path / "subdir" / "file.txt").resolve()
+        assert result == expected
+
+        # Test absolute path (platform-agnostic)
+        if os.name == "nt":  # Windows
+            absolute_path = "C:\\absolute\\path"
+        else:  # Unix-like
+            absolute_path = "/absolute/path"
+        result = resolve_relative_path(base_path, absolute_path)
+        assert result == Path(absolute_path)
+
+    def test_normalize_path(self, tmp_path):
+        """Test path normalization."""
+        # Test with relative path
+        relative_path = tmp_path / ".." / "normalize_test"
+        result = normalize_path(relative_path)
+        assert result.is_absolute()
+        assert "normalize_test" in str(result)
+
+        # Test with absolute path
+        absolute_path = tmp_path / "test_file"
+        result = normalize_path(absolute_path)
+        assert result.is_absolute()
+        assert result == absolute_path.resolve()
+
+    def test_get_venv_path(self, monkeypatch):
+        """Test virtual environment path detection."""
+        # Test when no virtual environment is active
+        # Temporarily clear VIRTUAL_ENV to test the "no venv" case
+        monkeypatch.delenv("VIRTUAL_ENV", raising=False)
+        result = get_venv_path()
+        assert result is None
+
+        # Test when virtual environment is active
+        test_venv_path = "/path/to/venv"
+        monkeypatch.setenv("VIRTUAL_ENV", test_venv_path)
+        result = get_venv_path()
+        assert result == Path(test_venv_path)
+
+    def test_get_python_executable(self):
+        """Test Python executable path detection."""
+        result = get_python_executable()
+        assert isinstance(result, Path)
+        assert result.exists()
+        assert result.name.startswith("python")
+
+    def test_find_executable(self):
+        """Test executable finding in PATH."""
+        # Test with non-existent executable
+        result = find_executable("nonexistent_executable")
+        assert result is None
+
+        # Test with existing executable (python should be available)
+        result = find_executable("python")
+        if result:
+            assert isinstance(result, Path)
+            assert result.exists()
+
+    def test_get_script_binary_path(self):
+        """Test script binary path detection."""
+        result = get_script_binary_path()
+        assert isinstance(result, Path)
+        assert result.exists()
+        assert result.is_dir()
+
+    def test_get_binary_path(self, monkeypatch):
+        """Test binary path resolution with virtual environment."""
+        # Test when no virtual environment is active
+        result = get_binary_path("python")
+        if result:
+            assert isinstance(result, Path)
+            assert result.exists()
+
+        # Test when virtual environment is active
+        test_venv_path = "/path/to/venv"
+        monkeypatch.setenv("VIRTUAL_ENV", test_venv_path)
+        # This test is more complex as it depends on the actual venv structure
+        # We'll just verify the function doesn't crash
+        result = get_binary_path("python")
+        # Result can be None if binary not found in venv
+        if result:
+            assert isinstance(result, Path)
+
+
+class TestCrossPlatformCompatibility:
+    """Test cross-platform compatibility."""
+
+    def test_config_dir_platform_specific_windows(self, monkeypatch):
+        """Test config directory respects Windows conventions."""
+        import platform
+
+        # Only run this test on Windows systems
+        if platform.system() != "Windows":
+            pytest.skip("This test only runs on Windows systems")
+
+        monkeypatch.setattr("os.name", "nt")
+        monkeypatch.setenv("APPDATA", "C:\\Users\\Test\\AppData\\Roaming")
+        config_dir = get_config_dir()
+        assert "AppData" in str(config_dir)
+        assert "py-libp2p" in str(config_dir)
+
+    def test_path_separators_consistent(self):
+        """Test that path separators are handled consistently."""
+        # Test that join_paths uses platform-appropriate separators
+        result = join_paths("dir1", "dir2", "file.txt")
+        expected = Path("dir1") / "dir2" / "file.txt"
+        assert result == expected
+
+        # Test that the result uses correct separators for the platform
+        if os.name == "nt":  # Windows
+            assert "\\" in str(result) or "/" in str(result)
+        else:  # Unix-like
+            assert "/" in str(result)
+
+    def test_temp_file_uniqueness(self):
+        """Test that temporary files have unique names."""
+        files = set()
+        for _ in range(10):
+            temp_file = create_temp_file()
+            assert temp_file not in files
+            files.add(temp_file)
+
+
+class TestBackwardCompatibility:
+    """Test backward compatibility with existing code patterns."""
+
+    def test_path_operations_equivalent(self):
+        """Test that new path operations are equivalent to old os.path operations."""
+        # Test join_paths vs os.path.join
+        parts = ["a", "b", "c"]
+        new_result = join_paths(*parts)
+        old_result = Path(os.path.join(*parts))
+        assert new_result == old_result
+
+        # Test get_script_dir vs os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__))
+        new_script_dir = get_script_dir(__file__)
+        old_script_dir = Path(os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__)))
+        assert new_script_dir == old_script_dir
+
+    def test_existing_functionality_preserved(self):
+        """Ensure no existing functionality is broken."""
+        # Test that all functions return Path objects
+        assert isinstance(get_temp_dir(), Path)
+        assert isinstance(get_project_root(), Path)
+        assert isinstance(join_paths("a", "b"), Path)
+        assert isinstance(ensure_dir_exists(tempfile.gettempdir()), Path)
+        assert isinstance(get_config_dir(), Path)
+        assert isinstance(get_script_dir(__file__), Path)
+        assert isinstance(create_temp_file(), Path)
+        assert isinstance(resolve_relative_path(".", "test"), Path)
+        assert isinstance(normalize_path("."), Path)
+        assert isinstance(get_python_executable(), Path)
+        assert isinstance(get_script_binary_path(), Path)
+
+        # Test optional return types
+        venv_path = get_venv_path()
+        if venv_path is not None:
+            assert isinstance(venv_path, Path)