diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/commands/build.reef
--- a/src/commands/build.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/commands/build.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@
 import util.mtree
 import util.http as uhttp
 import exitcodes as ec
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     fn execute(opts: types.GlobalOptions): int
@@ -129,7 +130,7 @@
 
     // Handle "." for current directory
     if port_path == "."
-        port_path = dir.current_dir()
+        port_path = res.unwrap_or(dir.current_dir(), "")
     end if
 
     // Load configuration
@@ -531,7 +532,7 @@
         process.process_wait(pid)
     end if
 
-    let ts = file.readFile(tmp_file)
+    let ts = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(tmp_file), "")
 
     // Cleanup
     let rm_cmd = "rm -f \"" + tmp_file + "\""
@@ -666,7 +667,7 @@
         end if
     end if
 
-    if not dir.create_dir_all(ctx.work_dir)
+    if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(ctx.work_dir))
         return false
     end if
 
@@ -679,14 +680,14 @@
         end if
     end if
 
-    if not dir.create_dir_all(ctx.pkg_dir)
+    if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(ctx.pkg_dir))
         return false
     end if
 
     // Ensure sources directory exists
     let sources_dir = config.get_sources_dir(ctx.cfg)
     if not dir.dir_exists(sources_dir)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(sources_dir)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(sources_dir))
             return false
         end if
     end if
@@ -694,7 +695,7 @@
     // Ensure packages directory exists
     let packages_dir = config.get_packages_dir(ctx.cfg)
     if not dir.dir_exists(packages_dir)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(packages_dir)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(packages_dir))
             return false
         end if
     end if
@@ -1111,7 +1112,7 @@
     process.process_wait(pid)
 
     // Read result
-    let content = file.readFile(tmp_file)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(tmp_file), "")
 
     // Clean up
     let rm_cmd = "rm -f \"" + tmp_file + "\""
@@ -1181,7 +1182,7 @@
         end if
     end if
 
-    return file.writeFile(pkginfo_path, content)
+    return res.is_ok(file.writeFile(pkginfo_path, content))
 end generate_pkginfo
 
 fn generate_manifest_file(ctx: BuildContext): bool
@@ -1195,7 +1196,7 @@
         return false
     end if
 
-    return file.writeFile(manifest_path, content)
+    return res.is_ok(file.writeFile(manifest_path, content))
 end generate_manifest_file
 
 proc cleanup_build(ctx: BuildContext)
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/commands/clean.reef
--- a/src/commands/clean.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/commands/clean.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@
 import types
 import util.color
 import exitcodes as ec
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     fn execute(): int
@@ -187,8 +188,8 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    mut entries: [string] = new [string](512)
-    let count = dir.list_dir(dir_path, entries, 512)
+    let entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(dir_path), new [string](0))
+    let count = entries.length()
 
     if str.length(extension) == 0
         return count
@@ -211,8 +212,8 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    mut entries: [string] = new [string](256)
-    let count = dir.list_dir(dir_path, entries, 256)
+    let entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(dir_path), new [string](0))
+    let count = entries.length()
 
     // Count only directories (packages being built)
     mut dirs = 0
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/commands/install.reef
--- a/src/commands/install.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/commands/install.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -42,6 +42,7 @@
 import util.color
 import util.priv
 import exitcodes as ec
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     fn execute(opts: types.GlobalOptions): int
@@ -556,8 +557,8 @@
     let packages_dir = config.get_packages_dir(cfg)
 
     // Find all matching packages and select highest version
-    mut entries: [string] = new [string](256)
-    let entry_count = dir.list_dir(packages_dir, entries, 256)
+    let entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(packages_dir), new [string](0))
+    let entry_count = entries.length()
 
     // Collect all matching package files
     mut best_file = ""
@@ -712,7 +713,7 @@
         end if
     end if
 
-    if not dir.create_dir_all(extract_dir)
+    if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(extract_dir))
         return ""
     end if
 
@@ -792,7 +793,7 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    let content = file.readFile(manifest_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(manifest_path), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return 0
     end if
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/commands/key.reef
--- a/src/commands/key.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/commands/key.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@
 import core.signing
 import util.color
 import exitcodes as ec
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     fn execute(): int
@@ -175,7 +176,7 @@
 
     color.print_action("Importing key: " + key_name)
 
-    let key_data = file.readFile(key_file)
+    let key_data = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(key_file), "")
     let result = signing.import_key(key_data, key_name)
 
     if result.success
@@ -197,7 +198,7 @@
     color.print_action("Public key for " + name + ":")
     println("")
 
-    let key_data = file.readFile(pub_path)
+    let key_data = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(pub_path), "")
     println(key_data)
 end export_key
 
@@ -286,7 +287,7 @@
 
     // Create keyring directory
     if not dir.dir_exists(keyring)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(keyring)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(keyring))
             color.print_error("Failed to create keyring directory: " + keyring)
             return
         end if
@@ -297,7 +298,7 @@
 
     // Create trusted-keys directory
     if not dir.dir_exists(trusted_keys_dir)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(trusted_keys_dir)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(trusted_keys_dir))
             color.print_error("Failed to create trusted-keys directory")
             return
         end if
@@ -332,7 +333,7 @@
 
     // Ensure trusted-keys directory exists
     if not dir.dir_exists(trusted_dir)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(trusted_dir)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(trusted_dir))
             color.print_error("Failed to create trusted-keys directory")
             return
         end if
@@ -408,8 +409,8 @@
         return
     end if
 
-    mut entries: [string] = new [string](64)
-    let count = dir.list_dir(trusted_dir, entries, 64)
+    let entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(trusted_dir), new [string](0))
+    let count = entries.length()
 
     if count == 0
         color.print_info("No trusted keys")
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/commands/ports.reef
--- a/src/commands/ports.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/commands/ports.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@
 import types
 import util.color
 import exitcodes as ec
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     fn execute(opts: types.GlobalOptions): int
@@ -96,7 +97,7 @@
         return ec.EXIT_PKG_ALREADY_INSTALLED()
     end if
 
-    if not dir.create_dir_all(port_dir)
+    if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(port_dir))
         color.print_error("Failed to create directory: " + port_dir)
         return ec.EXIT_PERMISSION_DENIED()
     end if
@@ -105,7 +106,7 @@
     let toml_path = path.join_path(port_dir, "package.toml")
     let toml_content = "[package]\nname = \"" + name + "\"\nversion = \"0.1.0\"\nrelease = 1\ndescription = \"\"\nurl = \"\"\nlicense = \"\"\nmaintainer = \"\"\narch = \"x86_64\"\n\n[dependencies]\nruntime = []\nbuild = []\n\n[[source]]\nfile = \"\"\nurls = []\nchecksum = \"SKIP\"\n\n[build]\nparallel = true\njobs = 0\n"
 
-    if not file.writeFile(toml_path, toml_content)
+    if not res.is_ok(file.writeFile(toml_path, toml_content))
         color.print_error("Failed to write package.toml")
         return ec.EXIT_PERMISSION_DENIED()
     end if
@@ -115,7 +116,7 @@
     let dollar = "$"
     let build_content = "#!/bin/sh\n# Build script for " + name + "\nset -e\n\n# cd " + name + "-" + dollar + "{VERSION}\n\nMAKE=gmake\nif [ \"" + dollar + "(uname -s)\" != \"SunOS\" ]; then\n    MAKE=make\nfi\n\n# ./configure --prefix=/usr\n# " + dollar + "MAKE " + dollar + "{MAKEFLAGS}\n# " + dollar + "MAKE DESTDIR=\"" + dollar + "{DESTDIR}\" install\n"
 
-    if not file.writeFile(build_path, build_content)
+    if not res.is_ok(file.writeFile(build_path, build_content))
         color.print_error("Failed to write build.sh")
         return ec.EXIT_PERMISSION_DENIED()
     end if
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/commands/remove.reef
--- a/src/commands/remove.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/commands/remove.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@
 import fs.ops
 import util.priv
 import exitcodes as ec
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     fn execute(opts: types.GlobalOptions): int
@@ -237,7 +238,7 @@
     mut manifest_count = 0
     let manifest_path = database.get_manifest_path(pkg_name)
     if file.fileExists(manifest_path)
-        let manifest_content = file.readFile(manifest_path)
+        let manifest_content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(manifest_path), "")
         if str.length(manifest_content) > 0
             manifest_count = mtree.parse_manifest(manifest_content, manifest_entries, 8192)
         end if
@@ -332,7 +333,7 @@
                 end if
             end if
 
-            if not ops.remove_file(full_path)
+            if not res.is_ok(ops.remove_file(full_path))
                 color.print_warning("Failed to remove: " + full_path)
                 all_success = false
             end if
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/commands/repo.reef
--- a/src/commands/repo.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/commands/repo.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@
 import core.repository
 import util.color
 import exitcodes as ec
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     fn execute(): int
@@ -199,7 +200,7 @@
 
     // Ensure directory exists
     if not dir.dir_exists(repos_dir)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(repos_dir)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(repos_dir))
             color.print_error("Failed to create repos directory")
             return
         end if
@@ -213,7 +214,7 @@
     content = content + "enabled = true\n"
     content = content + "signed = false\n"
 
-    if not file.writeFile(repo_path, content)
+    if not res.is_ok(file.writeFile(repo_path, content))
         color.print_error("Failed to write repository file")
         return
     end if
@@ -250,7 +251,7 @@
     end if
 
     // Read current content
-    let content = file.readFile(repo_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(repo_path), "")
 
     // Replace enabled line
     mut new_content = ""
@@ -260,7 +261,7 @@
         new_content = str.replace(content, "enabled = true", "enabled = false")
     end if
 
-    if not file.writeFile(repo_path, new_content)
+    if not res.is_ok(file.writeFile(repo_path, new_content))
         color.print_error("Failed to update repository file")
         return
     end if
@@ -302,7 +303,7 @@
 
     // Create the repository directory
     if not dir.dir_exists(repo_path)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(repo_path)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(repo_path))
             color.print_error("Failed to create repository directory")
             return
         end if
@@ -311,7 +312,7 @@
     // Create packages subdirectory
     let packages_dir = repo_path + "/packages"
     if not dir.dir_exists(packages_dir)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(packages_dir)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(packages_dir))
             color.print_error("Failed to create packages directory")
             return
         end if
@@ -334,7 +335,7 @@
         content = content + "# Packages will be listed below by coral repo rebuild\n"
         content = content + "[packages]\n"
 
-        if not file.writeFile(manifest_path, content)
+        if not res.is_ok(file.writeFile(manifest_path, content))
             color.print_error("Failed to write repo.toml")
             return
         end if
@@ -356,8 +357,8 @@
     end if
 
     // Scan for package files
-    mut entries: [string] = new [string](1024)
-    let entry_count = dir.list_dir(packages_dir, entries, 1024)
+    let entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(packages_dir), new [string](0))
+    let entry_count = entries.length()
 
     mut pkg_count = 0
     mut packages_content = ""
@@ -392,7 +393,7 @@
     content = content + "[packages]\n"
     content = content + packages_content
 
-    if not file.writeFile(manifest_path, content)
+    if not res.is_ok(file.writeFile(manifest_path, content))
         color.print_error("Failed to write repo.toml")
         return
     end if
@@ -473,7 +474,7 @@
     end if
 
     // Update repo.toml to indicate it's signed
-    let content = file.readFile(manifest_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(manifest_path), "")
     let new_content = str.replace(content, "signed = false", "signed = true")
     file.writeFile(manifest_path, new_content)
 
@@ -506,8 +507,8 @@
     end if
 
     // List all public keys and try each
-    mut entries: [string] = new [string](64)
-    let count = dir.list_dir(keyring, entries, 64)
+    let entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(keyring), new [string](0))
+    let count = entries.length()
 
     mut i = 0
     mut verified = false
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/commands/sync.reef
--- a/src/commands/sync.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/commands/sync.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -28,6 +28,7 @@
 import core.portindex
 import util.color
 import exitcodes as ec
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     fn execute(): int
@@ -98,8 +99,8 @@
         let cat_path = path.join_path(ports_dir, cat)
 
         if dir.dir_exists(cat_path)
-            mut entries: [string] = new [string](256)
-            let count = dir.list_dir(cat_path, entries, 256)
+            let entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(cat_path), new [string](0))
+            let count = entries.length()
 
             // Count valid ports (directories with package.toml)
             mut port_count = 0
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/commands/upgrade.reef
--- a/src/commands/upgrade.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/commands/upgrade.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -32,6 +32,7 @@
 import util.color
 import util.version as ver
 import exitcodes as ec
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     fn execute(opts: types.GlobalOptions): int
@@ -419,7 +420,7 @@
         end if
     end if
 
-    if not dir.create_dir_all(extract_dir)
+    if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(extract_dir))
         return ""
     end if
 
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/commands/verify.reef
--- a/src/commands/verify.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/commands/verify.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@
 import exitcodes as ec
 import fs.stat
 import fs.link
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     fn execute(opts: types.GlobalOptions): int
@@ -70,7 +71,7 @@
         return ec.EXIT_PKG_INVALID()
     end if
 
-    let manifest_content = file.readFile(manifest_path)
+    let manifest_content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(manifest_path), "")
     if str.length(manifest_content) == 0
         color.print_error("Empty manifest for " + pkg_name)
         return ec.EXIT_PKG_INVALID()
@@ -114,7 +115,7 @@
             else
                 // Check mode
                 let expected_mode = mtree.entry_mode(entry)
-                let actual_mode = stat.file_mode(full_path)
+                let actual_mode = res.unwrap_or(stat.file_mode(full_path), 0)
                 // Compare lower 12 bits (permissions + setuid/setgid/sticky)
                 if (actual_mode % 4096) != (expected_mode % 4096)
                     if opts.verbose
@@ -148,7 +149,7 @@
 
                 // Check mode
                 let expected_mode = mtree.entry_mode(entry)
-                let actual_mode = stat.file_mode(full_path)
+                let actual_mode = res.unwrap_or(stat.file_mode(full_path), 0)
                 if (actual_mode % 4096) != (expected_mode % 4096)
                     if opts.verbose
                         color.print_warning("MODE " + rel_path + " (expected " + int_to_octal(expected_mode) + ", got " + int_to_octal(actual_mode) + ")")
@@ -162,8 +163,8 @@
                 // Check ownership
                 let expected_uid = mtree.name_to_uid(mtree.entry_uname(entry))
                 let expected_gid = mtree.name_to_gid(mtree.entry_gname(entry))
-                let actual_uid = stat.file_uid(full_path)
-                let actual_gid = stat.file_gid(full_path)
+                let actual_uid = res.unwrap_or(stat.file_uid(full_path), 0)
+                let actual_gid = res.unwrap_or(stat.file_gid(full_path), 0)
                 if actual_uid != expected_uid or actual_gid != expected_gid
                     if opts.verbose
                         color.print_warning("OWNER " + rel_path + " (expected " + mtree.entry_uname(entry) + ":" + mtree.entry_gname(entry) + ")")
@@ -190,7 +191,7 @@
                 end if
             else
                 let expected_target = mtree.entry_link(entry)
-                let actual_target = link.readlink(full_path)
+                let actual_target = res.unwrap_or(link.readlink(full_path), "")
                 if not str.equals(actual_target, expected_target)
                     if opts.verbose
                         color.print_warning("LINK " + rel_path + " -> " + actual_target + " (expected " + expected_target + ")")
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/core/config.reef
--- a/src/core/config.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/core/config.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@
 import io.file
 import core.str
 import encoding.toml
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     // Configuration structure
@@ -210,7 +211,7 @@
     end if
 
     // Read config file
-    let content = file.readFile(types.get_config_file())
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(types.get_config_file()), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return cfg
     end if
@@ -218,7 +219,7 @@
     // Parse TOML
     let keys = toml.toml_alloc_keys()
     let vals = toml.toml_alloc_values()
-    let entry_count = toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals)
+    let entry_count = res.unwrap_or(toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals), 0)
 
     if entry_count == 0
         return cfg
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/core/database.reef
--- a/src/core/database.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/core/database.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@
 import encoding.toml
 import util.mtree
 import sys.process
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     // Check if a package is installed
@@ -105,7 +106,7 @@
 // Initialize the database directory structure
 fn init_db(): bool
     if not dir.dir_exists(types.get_db_dir())
-        return dir.create_dir_all(types.get_db_dir())
+        return res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(types.get_db_dir()))
     end if
     return true
 end init_db
@@ -126,8 +127,8 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    mut entries: [string] = new [string](256)
-    let entry_count = dir.list_dir(types.get_db_dir(), entries, 256)
+    let entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(types.get_db_dir()), new [string](0))
+    let entry_count = entries.length()
 
     mut count = 0
     mut i = 0
@@ -161,7 +162,7 @@
 
     // Read pkg.toml
     let toml_path = pkg_toml_path(name)
-    let content = file.readFile(toml_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(toml_path), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return new_installed_package()
     end if
@@ -169,7 +170,7 @@
     // Parse TOML
     let keys = toml.toml_alloc_keys()
     let vals = toml.toml_alloc_values()
-    let entry_count = toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals)
+    let entry_count = res.unwrap_or(toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals), 0)
 
     if entry_count == 0
         return new_installed_package()
@@ -193,7 +194,7 @@
     // Read files list
     let files_path = pkg_files_path(name)
     if file.fileExists(files_path)
-        let files_content = file.readFile(files_path)
+        let files_content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(files_path), "")
         if str.length(files_content) > 0
             let alloc_size = count_newlines(files_content) + 16
             mut files_arr: [string] = new [string](alloc_size)
@@ -270,7 +271,7 @@
     // Create package directory
     let pkg_dir = pkg_db_dir(pkg.info.name)
     if not dir.dir_exists(pkg_dir)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(pkg_dir)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(pkg_dir))
             return false
         end if
     end if
@@ -278,7 +279,7 @@
     // Write pkg.toml
     let toml_content = generate_pkg_toml(pkg)
     let toml_path = pkg_toml_path(pkg.info.name)
-    if not file.writeFile(toml_path, toml_content)
+    if not res.is_ok(file.writeFile(toml_path, toml_content))
         return false
     end if
 
@@ -401,12 +402,12 @@
     if file.fileExists(manifest_path)
         // Store the full manifest for future use (verify, manifest-based remove)
         let manifest_store = path.join_path(pkg_db_dir(pkg.info.name), "manifest.mtree")
-        let manifest_content = file.readFile(manifest_path)
+        let manifest_content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(manifest_path), "")
         file.writeFile(manifest_store, manifest_content)
 
         // Also generate files.txt for backward compatibility
         let result = extract_paths_from_manifest(manifest_content)
-        return file.writeFile(files_path, result)
+        return res.is_ok(file.writeFile(files_path, result))
     end if
 
     // Legacy: .FOOTPRINT
@@ -416,14 +417,14 @@
         return true
     end if
 
-    let content = file.readFile(footprint_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(footprint_path), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         file.writeFile(files_path, "")
         return true
     end if
 
     let result = process_footprint(content)
-    return file.writeFile(files_path, result)
+    return res.is_ok(file.writeFile(files_path, result))
 end register_from_extract_dir
 
 // Helper to remove a file
@@ -484,7 +485,7 @@
     end if
 
     // Remove the package directory
-    return dir.remove_dir(pkg_dir)
+    return res.is_ok(dir.remove_dir(pkg_dir))
 end unregister_package
 
 // Get list of files owned by a package
@@ -498,7 +499,7 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    let content = file.readFile(files_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(files_path), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return 0
     end if
@@ -573,11 +574,11 @@
         // Note: We'd need to parse the alternatives array from pkg.toml
         // For now, check if this package provides the alternative
         let toml_path = pkg_toml_path(pkg_name)
-        let content = file.readFile(toml_path)
+        let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(toml_path), "")
         if str.length(content) > 0
             let keys = toml.toml_alloc_keys()
             let vals = toml.toml_alloc_values()
-            let entry_count = toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals)
+            let entry_count = res.unwrap_or(toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals), 0)
 
             if toml.toml_has_key(keys, vals, entry_count, "package.alternatives")
                 let alts_val = toml.toml_get(keys, vals, entry_count, "package.alternatives")
@@ -618,7 +619,7 @@
 
     // Create scripts directory in database
     if not dir.dir_exists(dest_scripts)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(dest_scripts)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(dest_scripts))
             return false
         end if
     end if
@@ -651,9 +652,9 @@
     let dest_config = pkg_config_path(name)
 
     // Copy the config files list
-    let content = file.readFile(src_config)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(src_config), "")
     if str.length(content) > 0
-        return file.writeFile(dest_config, content)
+        return res.is_ok(file.writeFile(dest_config, content))
     end if
 
     return true
@@ -666,7 +667,7 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    let content = file.readFile(config_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(config_path), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return 0
     end if
@@ -721,7 +722,7 @@
 fn init_db_rooted(root: string): bool
     let db_dir = get_db_dir_rooted(root)
     if not dir.dir_exists(db_dir)
-        return dir.create_dir_all(db_dir)
+        return res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(db_dir))
     end if
     return true
 end init_db_rooted
@@ -745,7 +746,7 @@
     // Create package directory
     let pkg_dir = pkg_db_dir_rooted(pkg.info.name, root)
     if not dir.dir_exists(pkg_dir)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(pkg_dir)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(pkg_dir))
             return false
         end if
     end if
@@ -753,7 +754,7 @@
     // Write pkg.toml
     let toml_content = generate_pkg_toml(pkg)
     let toml_path = pkg_toml_path_rooted(pkg.info.name, root)
-    if not file.writeFile(toml_path, toml_content)
+    if not res.is_ok(file.writeFile(toml_path, toml_content))
         return false
     end if
 
@@ -774,12 +775,12 @@
     if file.fileExists(manifest_path)
         // Store the full manifest
         let manifest_store = path.join_path(pkg_db_dir_rooted(pkg.info.name, root), "manifest.mtree")
-        let manifest_content = file.readFile(manifest_path)
+        let manifest_content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(manifest_path), "")
         file.writeFile(manifest_store, manifest_content)
 
         // Also generate files.txt for backward compatibility
         let result = extract_paths_from_manifest(manifest_content)
-        return file.writeFile(files_path, result)
+        return res.is_ok(file.writeFile(files_path, result))
     end if
 
     // Legacy: .FOOTPRINT
@@ -789,14 +790,14 @@
         return true
     end if
 
-    let content = file.readFile(footprint_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(footprint_path), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         file.writeFile(files_path, "")
         return true
     end if
 
     let result = process_footprint(content)
-    return file.writeFile(files_path, result)
+    return res.is_ok(file.writeFile(files_path, result))
 end register_from_extract_dir_rooted
 
 // Get scripts directory with alternate root
@@ -815,7 +816,7 @@
     let dest_scripts = get_scripts_dir_rooted(name, root)
 
     if not dir.dir_exists(dest_scripts)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(dest_scripts)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(dest_scripts))
             return false
         end if
     end if
@@ -844,9 +845,9 @@
 
     let dest_config = pkg_config_path_rooted(name, root)
 
-    let content = file.readFile(src_config)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(src_config), "")
     if str.length(content) > 0
-        return file.writeFile(dest_config, content)
+        return res.is_ok(file.writeFile(dest_config, content))
     end if
 
     return true
@@ -859,8 +860,8 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    mut entries: [string] = new [string](256)
-    let entry_count = dir.list_dir(db_dir, entries, 256)
+    let entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(db_dir), new [string](0))
+    let entry_count = entries.length()
 
     mut count = 0
     mut i = 0
@@ -889,7 +890,7 @@
 
     // Read pkg.toml
     let toml_path = pkg_toml_path_rooted(name, root)
-    let content = file.readFile(toml_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(toml_path), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return new_installed_package()
     end if
@@ -897,7 +898,7 @@
     // Parse TOML
     let keys = toml.toml_alloc_keys()
     let vals = toml.toml_alloc_values()
-    let entry_count = toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals)
+    let entry_count = res.unwrap_or(toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals), 0)
 
     if entry_count == 0
         return new_installed_package()
@@ -921,7 +922,7 @@
     // Read files list
     let files_path = pkg_files_path_rooted(name, root)
     if file.fileExists(files_path)
-        let files_content = file.readFile(files_path)
+        let files_content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(files_path), "")
         if str.length(files_content) > 0
             let alloc_size = count_newlines(files_content) + 16
             mut files_arr: [string] = new [string](alloc_size)
@@ -954,7 +955,7 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    let content = file.readFile(files_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(files_path), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return 0
     end if
@@ -1055,7 +1056,7 @@
     end if
 
     // Remove the package directory
-    return dir.remove_dir(pkg_dir)
+    return res.is_ok(dir.remove_dir(pkg_dir))
 end unregister_package_rooted
 
 end module
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/core/groups.reef
--- a/src/core/groups.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/core/groups.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -23,6 +23,7 @@
 import io.path
 import encoding.toml
 import types
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     type GroupResult
@@ -83,7 +84,7 @@
         return error_result("Group not found: " + group_name)
     end if
 
-    let content = file.readFile(group_file)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(group_file), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return error_result("Failed to read group file")
     end if
@@ -91,7 +92,7 @@
     // Parse TOML using key/value arrays
     let keys = toml.toml_alloc_keys()
     let vals = toml.toml_alloc_values()
-    let entry_count = toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals)
+    let entry_count = res.unwrap_or(toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals), 0)
 
     if entry_count == 0
         return error_result("Invalid group file format")
@@ -122,8 +123,8 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    mut entries: [string] = new [string](64)
-    let entry_count = dir.list_dir(groups_dir, entries, 64)
+    let entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(groups_dir), new [string](0))
+    let entry_count = entries.length()
 
     mut count = 0
     mut i = 0
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/core/package.reef
--- a/src/core/package.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/core/package.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@
 import fs.perm
 import fs.link
 import fs.ops
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     // Package extraction result
@@ -119,7 +120,7 @@
 
     // Ensure destination directory exists
     if not dir.dir_exists(dest_dir)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(dest_dir)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(dest_dir))
             return extract_error("Failed to create extraction directory: " + dest_dir)
         end if
     end if
@@ -147,7 +148,7 @@
         return info
     end if
 
-    let content = file.readFile(pkginfo_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(pkginfo_path), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return info
     end if
@@ -155,7 +156,7 @@
     // Parse TOML
     let keys = toml.toml_alloc_keys()
     let vals = toml.toml_alloc_values()
-    let entry_count = toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals)
+    let entry_count = res.unwrap_or(toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals), 0)
 
     if entry_count == 0
         return info
@@ -191,7 +192,7 @@
     // Try .MANIFEST first (v2 format)
     let manifest_path = path.join_path(pkg_dir, ".MANIFEST")
     if file.fileExists(manifest_path)
-        let content = file.readFile(manifest_path)
+        let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(manifest_path), "")
         if str.length(content) > 0
             mut entries: [mtree.ManifestEntry] = new [mtree.ManifestEntry](max_count)
             let entry_count = mtree.parse_manifest(content, entries, max_count)
@@ -223,7 +224,7 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    let content = file.readFile(footprint_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(footprint_path), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return 0
     end if
@@ -276,7 +277,7 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    let content = file.readFile(manifest_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(manifest_path), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return 0
     end if
@@ -320,7 +321,7 @@
         if str.equals(etype, "dir")
             // Create directory if it doesn't exist
             if not dir.dir_exists(dest_path)
-                if not dir.create_dir_all(dest_path)
+                if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(dest_path))
                     return false
                 end if
             end if
@@ -348,7 +349,7 @@
                 end if
 
                 // Copy file preserving permissions from source
-                if not ops.copy_file_preserve(src_path, dest_path)
+                if not res.is_ok(ops.copy_file_preserve(src_path, dest_path))
                     return false
                 end if
 
@@ -381,7 +382,7 @@
             end if
 
             // Create symlink
-            if not link.symlink(link_target, dest_path)
+            if not res.is_ok(link.symlink(link_target, dest_path))
                 return false
             end if
         end if
@@ -445,7 +446,7 @@
 
         if str.equals(etype, "file") or str.equals(etype, "link")
             if stat.is_symlink(full_path) or stat.exists(full_path)
-                if not ops.remove_file(full_path)
+                if not res.is_ok(ops.remove_file(full_path))
                     all_success = false
                 end if
             end if
@@ -809,7 +810,7 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    let content = file.readFile(config_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(config_path), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return 0
     end if
@@ -862,7 +863,7 @@
             dir.create_dir_all(dest_dir)
         end if
 
-        return ops.copy_file_preserve(src_path, dest_path)
+        return res.is_ok(ops.copy_file_preserve(src_path, dest_path))
     end if
 
     // File exists — check if user has modified it
@@ -870,18 +871,18 @@
         // No stored checksum (fresh install over existing file or legacy package)
         // Be safe: install as .pkg-new, preserve user's file
         let new_path = dest_path + ".pkg-new"
-        return ops.copy_file_preserve(src_path, new_path)
+        return res.is_ok(ops.copy_file_preserve(src_path, new_path))
     end if
 
     let installed_sha = checksum.sha256_file(dest_path)
 
     if str.equals(installed_sha, stored_sha256)
         // User has not modified the config — safe to overwrite
-        return ops.copy_file_preserve(src_path, dest_path)
+        return res.is_ok(ops.copy_file_preserve(src_path, dest_path))
     else
         // User has modified the config — preserve their version
         let new_path = dest_path + ".pkg-new"
-        return ops.copy_file_preserve(src_path, new_path)
+        return res.is_ok(ops.copy_file_preserve(src_path, new_path))
     end if
 end install_config_file
 
@@ -933,7 +934,7 @@
 
         if str.equals(etype, "dir")
             if not dir.dir_exists(dest_path)
-                if not dir.create_dir_all(dest_path)
+                if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(dest_path))
                     return false
                 end if
             end if
@@ -958,7 +959,7 @@
                     ops.remove_file(dest_path)
                 end if
 
-                if not ops.copy_file_preserve(src_path, dest_path)
+                if not res.is_ok(ops.copy_file_preserve(src_path, dest_path))
                     return false
                 end if
 
@@ -986,7 +987,7 @@
                 dir.create_dir_all(parent)
             end if
 
-            if not link.symlink(link_target, dest_path)
+            if not res.is_ok(link.symlink(link_target, dest_path))
                 return false
             end if
         end if
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/core/pkgdb.reef
--- a/src/core/pkgdb.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/core/pkgdb.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@
 import core.database
 import encoding.msgpack
 import encoding.base64
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     // Package index entry (for packages.db)
@@ -267,7 +268,7 @@
     end if
 
     // Read base64-encoded content
-    let encoded = file.readFile(db_path)
+    let encoded = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(db_path), "")
     if str.length(encoded) == 0
         return index
     end if
@@ -275,7 +276,7 @@
     // Decode base64 to buffer
     let buf_size = str.length(encoded)  // Decoded will be smaller
     mut buf: [int] = new [int](buf_size)
-    let buf_len = base64.base64_decode_bytes(encoded, buf, buf_size)
+    let buf_len = res.unwrap_or(base64.base64_decode_bytes(encoded, buf, buf_size), 0)
 
     if buf_len == 0
         return index
@@ -289,34 +290,34 @@
         return index
     end if
 
-    let map_len = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_map_len(buf, offset)
+    let map_len = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_map_len(buf, offset), 0)
     offset = offset + map_header_size(buf, offset)
 
     // Iterate through map entries
     mut entry_idx = 0
     while entry_idx < map_len and offset < buf_len
         // Get key
-        let key = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+        let key = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
         offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
 
         if str.equals(key, "version")
-            index.version = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset)
+            index.version = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset), 0)
             offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
         elif str.equals(key, "generated")
-            index.generated = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+            index.generated = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
             offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
         elif str.equals(key, "package_count")
-            index.package_count = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset)
+            index.package_count = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset), 0)
             offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
         elif str.equals(key, "packages")
             // Parse packages array
-            let arr_len = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_array_len(buf, offset)
+            let arr_len = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_array_len(buf, offset), 0)
             offset = offset + array_header_size(buf, offset)
 
             mut pkg_idx = 0
             while pkg_idx < arr_len and pkg_idx < MAX_PACKAGES and offset < buf_len
                 // Each package is a map
-                let pkg_map_len = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_map_len(buf, offset)
+                let pkg_map_len = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_map_len(buf, offset), 0)
                 offset = offset + map_header_size(buf, offset)
 
                 mut entry = empty_pkg_entry()
@@ -324,21 +325,21 @@
 
                 mut pkg_field = 0
                 while pkg_field < pkg_map_len and offset < buf_len
-                    let field_key = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+                    let field_key = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
                     offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
 
                     if str.equals(field_key, "name")
-                        entry.name = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+                        entry.name = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
                     elif str.equals(field_key, "version")
-                        entry.version = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+                        entry.version = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
                     elif str.equals(field_key, "release")
-                        entry.release = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset)
+                        entry.release = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset), 0)
                     elif str.equals(field_key, "description")
-                        entry.description = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+                        entry.description = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
                     elif str.equals(field_key, "installed_date")
-                        entry.installed_date = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+                        entry.installed_date = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
                     elif str.equals(field_key, "file_count")
-                        entry.file_count = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset)
+                        entry.file_count = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset), 0)
                     end if
                     offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
 
@@ -371,7 +372,7 @@
     end if
 
     // Read base64-encoded content
-    let encoded = file.readFile(db_path)
+    let encoded = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(db_path), "")
     let encoded_len = str.length(encoded)
     if encoded_len == 0
         return index
@@ -380,7 +381,7 @@
     // Decode base64 to buffer
     let buf_size = encoded_len  // Decoded will be smaller
     mut buf: [int] = new [int](buf_size)
-    let buf_len = base64.base64_decode_bytes(encoded, buf, buf_size)
+    let buf_len = res.unwrap_or(base64.base64_decode_bytes(encoded, buf, buf_size), 0)
 
     if buf_len <= 0
         return index
@@ -394,37 +395,37 @@
         return index
     end if
 
-    let map_len = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_map_len(buf, offset)
+    let map_len = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_map_len(buf, offset), 0)
     offset = offset + map_header_size(buf, offset)
 
     // Iterate through map entries
     mut entry_idx = 0
     while entry_idx < map_len and offset < buf_len
         // Get key
-        let key = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+        let key = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
         offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
 
         if str.equals(key, "version")
-            index.version = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset)
+            index.version = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset), 0)
             offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
         elif str.equals(key, "generated")
-            index.generated = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+            index.generated = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
             offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
         elif str.equals(key, "file_count")
-            index.file_count = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset)
+            index.file_count = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset), 0)
             offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
         elif str.equals(key, "files")
             // Parse files map
-            let files_map_len = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_map_len(buf, offset)
+            let files_map_len = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_map_len(buf, offset), 0)
             offset = offset + map_header_size(buf, offset)
 
             mut file_idx = 0
             while file_idx < files_map_len and file_idx < MAX_FILES and offset < buf_len
                 // Key is file path, value is owner
-                let file_path = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+                let file_path = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
                 offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
 
-                let owner = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+                let owner = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
                 offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
 
                 index.file_paths[file_idx] = file_path
@@ -504,7 +505,7 @@
 fn init_db(): bool
     let db = db_dir()
     if not dir.dir_exists(db)
-        return dir.create_dir_all(db)
+        return res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(db))
     end if
     return true
 end init_db
@@ -937,7 +938,7 @@
 fn init_db_rooted(root: string): bool
     let db = db_dir_rooted(root)
     if not dir.dir_exists(db)
-        return dir.create_dir_all(db)
+        return res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(db))
     end if
     return true
 end init_db_rooted
@@ -959,7 +960,7 @@
     if pkg_len > 0
         // Encode to base64 and write
         let pkg_encoded = base64.base64_encode_bytes(pkg_buf, pkg_len)
-        if not file.writeFile(packages_db_path_rooted(root), pkg_encoded)
+        if not res.is_ok(file.writeFile(packages_db_path_rooted(root), pkg_encoded))
             return false
         end if
     end if
@@ -974,7 +975,7 @@
     if files_len > 0
         // Encode to base64 and write
         let files_encoded = base64.base64_encode_bytes(files_buf, files_len)
-        if not file.writeFile(files_db_path_rooted(root), files_encoded)
+        if not res.is_ok(file.writeFile(files_db_path_rooted(root), files_encoded))
             return false
         end if
     end if
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/core/port.reef
--- a/src/core/port.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/core/port.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@
 import core.str
 import core.config
 import encoding.toml
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     // Load a port from a directory path, returns PortResult
@@ -62,8 +63,8 @@
     let groups_dir = types.get_groups_dir()
     let skip_groups = get_relative_top_dir(ports_dir, groups_dir)
 
-    mut entries: [string] = new [string](256)
-    let entry_count = dir.list_dir(ports_dir, entries, 256)
+    let entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(ports_dir), new [string](0))
+    let entry_count = entries.length()
 
     mut count = 0
     mut i = 0
@@ -377,7 +378,7 @@
     end if
 
     // Read the TOML file
-    let content = file.readFile(toml_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(toml_path), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return error_result("Failed to read package.toml or file is empty")
     end if
@@ -385,7 +386,7 @@
     // Parse TOML
     let keys = toml.toml_alloc_keys()
     let vals = toml.toml_alloc_values()
-    let entry_count = toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals)
+    let entry_count = res.unwrap_or(toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals), 0)
 
     if entry_count == 0
         return error_result("Failed to parse package.toml")
@@ -562,8 +563,8 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    mut entries: [string] = new [string](256)
-    let entry_count = dir.list_dir(cat_path, entries, 256)
+    let entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(cat_path), new [string](0))
+    let entry_count = entries.length()
 
     mut count = 0
     mut i = 0
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/core/portindex.reef
--- a/src/core/portindex.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/core/portindex.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -35,6 +35,7 @@
 import core.config
 import encoding.msgpack
 import encoding.base64
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     type PortIndexEntry
@@ -250,7 +251,7 @@
 
     // Encode to base64 and write
     let encoded = base64.base64_encode_bytes(buf, buf_len)
-    return file.writeFile(ports_db_path(), encoded)
+    return res.is_ok(file.writeFile(ports_db_path(), encoded))
 end rebuild_port_index
 
 // Build a port path from category and name
@@ -345,14 +346,14 @@
         return index
     end if
 
-    let encoded = file.readFile(db_path)
+    let encoded = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(db_path), "")
     if str.length(encoded) == 0
         return index
     end if
 
     let buf_size = str.length(encoded)
     mut buf: [int] = new [int](buf_size)
-    let buf_len = base64.base64_decode_bytes(encoded, buf, buf_size)
+    let buf_len = res.unwrap_or(base64.base64_decode_bytes(encoded, buf, buf_size), 0)
 
     if buf_len == 0
         return index
@@ -365,31 +366,31 @@
         return index
     end if
 
-    let map_len = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_map_len(buf, offset)
+    let map_len = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_map_len(buf, offset), 0)
     offset = offset + map_header_size(buf, offset)
 
     mut entry_idx = 0
     while entry_idx < map_len and offset < buf_len
-        let key = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+        let key = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
         offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
 
         if str.equals(key, "version")
-            index.version = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset)
+            index.version = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset), 0)
             offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
         elif str.equals(key, "generated")
-            index.generated = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+            index.generated = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
             offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
         elif str.equals(key, "port_count")
-            index.port_count = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset)
+            index.port_count = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset), 0)
             offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
         elif str.equals(key, "ports")
             // Parse ports array
-            let arr_len = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_array_len(buf, offset)
+            let arr_len = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_array_len(buf, offset), 0)
             offset = offset + array_header_size(buf, offset)
 
             mut port_idx = 0
             while port_idx < arr_len and port_idx < MAX_PORTS and offset < buf_len
-                let port_map_len = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_map_len(buf, offset)
+                let port_map_len = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_map_len(buf, offset), 0)
                 offset = offset + map_header_size(buf, offset)
 
                 mut entry = empty_port_entry()
@@ -397,35 +398,35 @@
 
                 mut port_field = 0
                 while port_field < port_map_len and offset < buf_len
-                    let field_key = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+                    let field_key = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
                     offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
 
                     if str.equals(field_key, "name")
-                        entry.name = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+                        entry.name = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
                         offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
                     elif str.equals(field_key, "category")
-                        entry.category = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+                        entry.category = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
                         offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
                     elif str.equals(field_key, "version")
-                        entry.version = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+                        entry.version = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
                         offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
                     elif str.equals(field_key, "release")
-                        entry.release = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset)
+                        entry.release = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_int(buf, offset), 0)
                         offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
                     elif str.equals(field_key, "description")
-                        entry.description = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+                        entry.description = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
                         offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
                     elif str.equals(field_key, "port_dir")
-                        entry.port_dir = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+                        entry.port_dir = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
                         offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
                     elif str.equals(field_key, "runtime_deps")
                         // Parse deps array
-                        let deps_len = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_array_len(buf, offset)
+                        let deps_len = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_array_len(buf, offset), 0)
                         offset = offset + array_header_size(buf, offset)
 
                         mut dep_idx = 0
                         while dep_idx < deps_len and dep_idx < 64 and offset < buf_len
-                            entry.runtime_deps[dep_idx] = msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset)
+                            entry.runtime_deps[dep_idx] = res.unwrap_or(msgpack.msgpack_unpack_string(buf, offset), "")
                             offset = offset + msgpack.msgpack_value_size(buf, offset)
                             dep_idx = dep_idx + 1
                         end while
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/core/repository.reef
--- a/src/core/repository.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/core/repository.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -25,6 +25,7 @@
 import util.http as uhttp
 import util.color
 import types
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     type Repository
@@ -132,7 +133,7 @@
         return error_result("Repository file not found: " + repo_path)
     end if
 
-    let content = file.readFile(repo_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(repo_path), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return error_result("Empty repository file: " + repo_path)
     end if
@@ -140,7 +141,7 @@
     // Parse TOML
     let keys = toml.toml_alloc_keys()
     let vals = toml.toml_alloc_values()
-    let entry_count = toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals)
+    let entry_count = res.unwrap_or(toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals), 0)
 
     if entry_count == 0
         return error_result("Failed to parse repository file: " + repo_path)
@@ -179,8 +180,8 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    mut entries: [string] = new [string](64)
-    let entry_count = dir.list_dir(repos_dir, entries, 64)
+    let entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(repos_dir), new [string](0))
+    let entry_count = entries.length()
 
     mut count = 0
     mut i = 0
@@ -229,7 +230,7 @@
     // Ensure cache directory exists
     let cache_dir = "/var/lib/coral/repos"
     if not dir.dir_exists(cache_dir)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(cache_dir)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(cache_dir))
             return false
         end if
     end if
@@ -284,7 +285,7 @@
     end if
 
     // Read cached manifest
-    let content = file.readFile(cache_path)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(cache_path), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return pkg_error_result("Empty repository manifest")
     end if
@@ -292,7 +293,7 @@
     // Parse TOML to find the package
     let keys = toml.toml_alloc_keys()
     let vals = toml.toml_alloc_values()
-    let entry_count = toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals)
+    let entry_count = res.unwrap_or(toml.toml_parse(content, keys, vals), 0)
 
     if entry_count == 0
         return pkg_error_result("Failed to parse repository manifest")
@@ -358,7 +359,7 @@
     // Ensure packages cache directory exists
     let cache_dir = types.get_packages_dir()
     if not dir.dir_exists(cache_dir)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(cache_dir)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(cache_dir))
             color.print_error("Failed to create packages cache directory")
             return ""
         end if
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/core/signing.reef
--- a/src/core/signing.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/core/signing.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@
 import io.dir
 import io.path
 import sys.process
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     type KeyPair
@@ -93,7 +94,7 @@
 
     // Ensure keyring directory exists
     if not dir.dir_exists(keyring)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(keyring)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(keyring))
             return error_sign_result("Failed to create keyring directory")
         end if
     end if
@@ -187,7 +188,7 @@
     let keyring = get_keyring_dir()
 
     if not dir.dir_exists(keyring)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(keyring)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(keyring))
             return error_sign_result("Failed to create keyring directory")
         end if
     end if
@@ -198,7 +199,7 @@
         return error_sign_result("Key already exists: " + name)
     end if
 
-    if not file.writeFile(key_path, key_data)
+    if not res.is_ok(file.writeFile(key_path, key_data))
         return error_sign_result("Failed to write key file")
     end if
 
@@ -213,8 +214,8 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    mut entries: [string] = new [string](64)
-    let entry_count = dir.list_dir(keyring, entries, 64)
+    let entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(keyring), new [string](0))
+    let entry_count = entries.length()
 
     mut count = 0
     mut i = 0
@@ -232,7 +233,7 @@
 
             // Read public key
             let pub_path = path.join_path(keyring, entry)
-            kp.public_key = file.readFile(pub_path)
+            kp.public_key = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(pub_path), "")
 
             // Check for private key
             let priv_path = path.join_path(keyring, name + ".key")
@@ -312,8 +313,8 @@
 
     // Get keys from trusted-keys directory
     if dir.dir_exists(trusted_dir)
-        mut entries: [string] = new [string](32)
-        let entry_count = dir.list_dir(trusted_dir, entries, 32)
+        let entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(trusted_dir), new [string](0))
+        let entry_count = entries.length()
 
         mut i = 0
         while i < entry_count and key_count < 64
@@ -327,8 +328,8 @@
 
     // Get keys from keyring directory
     if dir.dir_exists(keyring_dir)
-        mut entries: [string] = new [string](32)
-        let entry_count = dir.list_dir(keyring_dir, entries, 32)
+        let entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(keyring_dir), new [string](0))
+        let entry_count = entries.length()
 
         mut i = 0
         while i < entry_count and key_count < 64
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/util/archive.reef
--- a/src/util/archive.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/util/archive.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@
 import io.dir
 import io.path
 import core.str
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     // Archive type enumeration (as strings for simplicity)
@@ -121,7 +122,7 @@
 
     // Ensure destination directory exists
     if not dir.dir_exists(dest_dir)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(dest_dir)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(dest_dir))
             return false
         end if
     end if
@@ -167,7 +168,7 @@
     // Ensure parent directory of output exists
     let output_dir = path.dirname(output_path)
     if str.length(output_dir) > 0 and not dir.dir_exists(output_dir)
-        if not dir.create_dir_all(output_dir)
+        if not res.is_ok(dir.create_dir_all(output_dir))
             return false
         end if
     end if
@@ -226,7 +227,7 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    let content = file.readFile(tmp_file)
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(tmp_file), "")
 
     // Clean up temp file
     cleanup_temp_file(tmp_file)
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/util/checksum.reef
--- a/src/util/checksum.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/util/checksum.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -21,6 +21,7 @@
 import core.str
 import sys.process
 import crypto.sha256 as sha
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     // Compute SHA256 hash of a file, returns hex string (lowercase)
@@ -70,7 +71,7 @@
         return ""
     end if
 
-    let hash = str.trim_ws(file.readFile(output_file))
+    let hash = str.trim_ws(res.unwrap_or(file.readFile(output_file), ""))
 
     // Clean up
     let rm_pid = process.process_spawn_shell("rm -f \"" + output_file + "\"")
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/util/http.reef
--- a/src/util/http.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/util/http.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@
 import net.extras
 import io.file
 import core.str
+import core.result as res
 import sys.process
 import util.color
 
@@ -66,7 +67,7 @@
 
     // Download with progress callback
     let cb = fn(p: http.HttpDownloadProgress): bool => extras.progress_bar(p)
-    return http.http_download_file_callback(url, dest, cb)
+    return res.is_ok(http.http_download_file_callback(url, dest, cb))
 end download_with_progress
 
 // Check if URL will redirect (3xx status) - native HTTP download crashes on redirects
@@ -146,12 +147,13 @@
     let req = http.http_request_new("GET", url)
     http.http_request_set_header(req, "User-Agent", "Coral/1.0")
 
-    let resp = http.http_send_timeout(req, timeout_ms)
+    let resp_r = http.http_send_timeout(req, timeout_ms)
 
-    // Check for errors
-    if str.length(resp.error) > 0
+    // Check for errors (transport failure is now Err; HttpResponse no longer has an error field)
+    if res.is_err(resp_r)
         return ""
     end if
+    let resp = res.unwrap_ok(resp_r)
 
     // Check for success
     if not http.http_response_is_ok(resp)
@@ -166,11 +168,12 @@
     let req = http.http_request_new("HEAD", url)
     http.http_request_set_header(req, "User-Agent", "Coral/1.0")
 
-    let resp = http.http_send_timeout(req, 10000)
+    let resp_r = http.http_send_timeout(req, 10000)
 
-    if str.length(resp.error) > 0
+    if res.is_err(resp_r)
         return false
     end if
+    let resp = res.unwrap_ok(resp_r)
 
     // Accept success codes and redirects as "reachable"
     return resp.status_code >= 200 and resp.status_code < 400
@@ -181,11 +184,12 @@
     let req = http.http_request_new("HEAD", url)
     http.http_request_set_header(req, "User-Agent", "Coral/1.0")
 
-    let resp = http.http_send_timeout(req, 10000)
+    let resp_r = http.http_send_timeout(req, 10000)
 
-    if str.length(resp.error) > 0
+    if res.is_err(resp_r)
         return 0
     end if
+    let resp = res.unwrap_ok(resp_r)
 
     return resp.status_code
 end get_status
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/util/mtree.reef
--- a/src/util/mtree.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/util/mtree.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -26,6 +26,8 @@
 import crypto.sha256 as sha
 import util.checksum
 import text.stringbuilder as sb
+import core.result as res
+import core.option as opt
 
 export
     // Manifest entry representing a single file, directory, or symlink
@@ -243,9 +245,9 @@
     if not str.equals(current_dir, base_dir) and count < max
         let rel = get_relative_path(base_dir, current_dir)
         if not is_metadata_path(rel)
-            let mode = stat.file_mode(current_dir)
-            let uid = stat.file_uid(current_dir)
-            let gid = stat.file_gid(current_dir)
+            let mode = res.unwrap_or(stat.file_mode(current_dir), 0)
+            let uid = res.unwrap_or(stat.file_uid(current_dir), 0)
+            let gid = res.unwrap_or(stat.file_gid(current_dir), 0)
             entries[count] = ManifestEntry{
                 epath: "./" + rel,
                 etype: "dir",
@@ -260,8 +262,8 @@
     end if
 
     // List directory contents
-    mut dir_entries: [string] = new [string](4096)
-    let entry_count = dir.list_dir(current_dir, dir_entries, 4096)
+    let dir_entries = res.unwrap_or(dir.list_dir(current_dir), new [string](0))
+    let entry_count = dir_entries.length()
 
     mut i = 0
     while i < entry_count and count < max
@@ -284,9 +286,9 @@
 
         // Check type: symlink first (symlinks to dirs would match is_directory)
         if stat.is_symlink(full_path)
-            let target = link.readlink(full_path)
-            let uid = stat.file_uid(current_dir)
-            let gid = stat.file_gid(current_dir)
+            let target = res.unwrap_or(link.readlink(full_path), "")
+            let uid = res.unwrap_or(stat.file_uid(current_dir), 0)
+            let gid = res.unwrap_or(stat.file_gid(current_dir), 0)
             entries[count] = ManifestEntry{
                 epath: "./" + rel,
                 etype: "link",
@@ -301,9 +303,9 @@
             // Recurse into subdirectory
             count = walk_directory(base_dir, full_path, entries, count, max)
         elif stat.is_file(full_path)
-            let mode = stat.file_mode(full_path)
-            let uid = stat.file_uid(full_path)
-            let gid = stat.file_gid(full_path)
+            let mode = res.unwrap_or(stat.file_mode(full_path), 0)
+            let uid = res.unwrap_or(stat.file_uid(full_path), 0)
+            let gid = res.unwrap_or(stat.file_gid(full_path), 0)
             let hash = checksum.sha256_file(full_path)
             entries[count] = ManifestEntry{
                 epath: "./" + rel,
@@ -518,13 +520,13 @@
 // Resolve a numeric uid to a username.
 // Uses POSIX getpwuid() via Reef's fs.stat.uid_name() — zero heap allocation.
 fn uid_to_name(uid: int): string
-    return stat.uid_name(uid)
+    return opt.unwrap_or(stat.uid_name(uid), "")
 end uid_to_name
 
 // Resolve a numeric gid to a group name.
 // Uses POSIX getgrgid() via Reef's fs.stat.gid_name() — zero heap allocation.
 fn gid_to_name(gid: int): string
-    return stat.gid_name(gid)
+    return opt.unwrap_or(stat.gid_name(gid), "")
 end gid_to_name
 
 // Resolve a username to numeric uid by reading /etc/passwd.
@@ -534,7 +536,7 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    let content = file.readFile("/etc/passwd")
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile("/etc/passwd"), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return 0
     end if
@@ -564,7 +566,7 @@
         return 0
     end if
 
-    let content = file.readFile("/etc/group")
+    let content = res.unwrap_or(file.readFile("/etc/group"), "")
     if str.length(content) == 0
         return 0
     end if
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/util/priv.reef
--- a/src/util/priv.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/util/priv.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 module util.priv
 
 import io.file
+import core.result as res
 
 export
     // Check if we are running as root (UID 0)
@@ -29,7 +30,8 @@
 fn is_root(): bool
     // Try to create a temp file in /var/lib/coral - only root can write there
     let test_file = "/var/lib/coral/.root_check"
-    if file.writeFile(test_file, "1")
+    // writeFile now returns Result[bool, Error] (Reef 0.7.5); Ok means we wrote it
+    if res.is_ok(file.writeFile(test_file, "1"))
         // Successfully wrote - we have root-level access
         // File will be overwritten next time, no need to delete
         return true
diff -r 8f14ed7e88cb -r 88dbd80325ea src/util/prompt.reef
--- a/src/util/prompt.reef	Sun Jul 05 18:01:08 2026 -0500
+++ b/src/util/prompt.reef	Fri Jul 17 19:04:08 2026 -0500
@@ -18,6 +18,7 @@
 module util.prompt
 
 import io.console
+import core.option as opt
 import core.str
 import core.convert
 import util.color
@@ -45,7 +46,7 @@
     end if
 
     print(message + " [Y/n] ")
-    let response = console.readLine()
+    let response = opt.unwrap_or(console.readLine(), "")
     let r = str.trim_ws(response)
 
     // Empty or Y/y means yes