diff --git a/.github/workflows/test-stack-reusable-workflow.yml b/.github/workflows/test-stack-reusable-workflow.yml
index 42da7df8..d63eeadd 100644
--- a/.github/workflows/test-stack-reusable-workflow.yml
+++ b/.github/workflows/test-stack-reusable-workflow.yml
@@ -111,6 +111,32 @@ jobs:
           docker network inspect changedet-network >/dev/null 2>&1 || docker network create changedet-network
           docker run --name test-cdio-basic-tests --network changedet-network test-changedetectionio bash -c 'cd changedetectionio && ./run_basic_tests.sh'
 
+      - name: Test CLI options
+        run: |
+          docker network inspect changedet-network >/dev/null 2>&1 || docker network create changedet-network
+          docker run --name test-cdio-cli-opts --network changedet-network test-changedetectionio bash -c 'changedetectionio/test_cli_opts.sh' &> cli-opts-output.txt
+          echo "=== CLI Options Test Output ==="
+          cat cli-opts-output.txt
+
+      - name: CLI Memory Test
+        run: |
+          echo "=== Checking CLI batch mode memory usage ==="
+          # Extract RSS memory value from output
+          RSS_MB=$(grep -oP "Memory consumption before worker shutdown: RSS=\K[\d.]+" cli-opts-output.txt | head -1 || echo "0")
+          echo "RSS Memory: ${RSS_MB} MB"
+
+          # Check if RSS is less than 100MB
+          if [ -n "$RSS_MB" ]; then
+            if (( $(echo "$RSS_MB < 100" | bc -l) )); then
+              echo "✓ Memory usage is acceptable: ${RSS_MB} MB < 100 MB"
+            else
+              echo "✗ Memory usage too high: ${RSS_MB} MB >= 100 MB"
+              exit 1
+            fi
+          else
+            echo "⚠ Could not extract memory usage, skipping check"
+          fi
+
       - name: Extract memory report and logs
         if: always()
         uses: ./.github/actions/extract-memory-report
@@ -125,6 +151,13 @@ jobs:
           name: test-cdio-basic-tests-output-py${{ env.PYTHON_VERSION }}
           path: output-logs
 
+      - name: Store CLI test output
+        if: always()
+        uses: actions/upload-artifact@v6
+        with:
+          name: test-cdio-cli-opts-output-py${{ env.PYTHON_VERSION }}
+          path: cli-opts-output.txt
+
   # Playwright tests
   playwright-tests:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
diff --git a/changedetectionio/__init__.py b/changedetectionio/__init__.py
index 6b6f4937..5b0a8877 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/__init__.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/__init__.py
@@ -6,19 +6,20 @@ __version__ = '0.52.9'
 
 from changedetectionio.strtobool import strtobool
 from json.decoder import JSONDecodeError
+
+from loguru import logger
+import getopt
 import logging
 import os
-import getopt
 import platform
 import signal
-
-import sys
+import threading
+import time
 
 # Eventlet completely removed - using threading mode for SocketIO
 # This provides better Python 3.12+ compatibility and eliminates eventlet/asyncio conflicts
-from changedetectionio import store
-from changedetectionio.flask_app import changedetection_app
-from loguru import logger
+# Note: store and changedetection_app are imported inside main() to avoid
+# initialization before argument parsing (allows --help to work without loading everything)
 
 # ==============================================================================
 # Multiprocessing Configuration - CRITICAL for Thread Safety
@@ -83,11 +84,22 @@ def get_version():
 def sigshutdown_handler(_signo, _stack_frame):
     name = signal.Signals(_signo).name
     logger.critical(f'Shutdown: Got Signal - {name} ({_signo}), Fast shutdown initiated')
-    
+
     # Set exit flag immediately to stop all loops
     app.config.exit.set()
     datastore.stop_thread = True
-    
+
+    # Log memory consumption before shutting down workers (cross-platform)
+    try:
+        import psutil
+        process = psutil.Process()
+        mem_info = process.memory_info()
+        rss_mb = mem_info.rss / 1024 / 1024
+        vms_mb = mem_info.vms / 1024 / 1024
+        logger.info(f"Memory consumption before worker shutdown: RSS={rss_mb:,.2f} MB, VMS={vms_mb:,.2f} MB")
+    except Exception as e:
+        logger.warning(f"Could not retrieve memory stats: {str(e)}")
+
     # Shutdown workers and queues immediately
     try:
         from changedetectionio import worker_handler
@@ -125,10 +137,51 @@ def main():
     global datastore
     global app
 
+    # Early help/version check before any initialization
+    if '--help' in sys.argv or '-help' in sys.argv:
+        print('Usage: changedetection.py [options]')
+        print('')
+        print('Standard options:')
+        print('  -s                SSL enable')
+        print('  -h HOST           Listen host (default: 0.0.0.0)')
+        print('  -p PORT           Listen port (default: 5000)')
+        print('  -d PATH           Datastore path')
+        print('  -l LEVEL          Log level (TRACE, DEBUG, INFO, SUCCESS, WARNING, ERROR, CRITICAL)')
+        print('  -c                Cleanup unused snapshots')
+        print('  -C                Create datastore directory if it doesn\'t exist')
+        print('')
+        print('Add URLs on startup:')
+        print('  -u URL            Add URL to watch (can be used multiple times)')
+        print('  -u0 \'JSON\'        Set options for first -u URL (e.g. \'{"processor":"text_json_diff"}\')')
+        print('  -u1 \'JSON\'        Set options for second -u URL (0-indexed)')
+        print('  -u2 \'JSON\'        Set options for third -u URL, etc.')
+        print('                    Available options: processor, fetch_backend, headers, method, etc.')
+        print('                    See model/Watch.py for all available options')
+        print('')
+        print('Recheck on startup:')
+        print('  -r all            Queue all watches for recheck on startup')
+        print('  -r UUID,...       Queue specific watches (comma-separated UUIDs)')
+        print('  -r all N          Queue all watches, wait for completion, repeat N times')
+        print('  -r UUID,... N     Queue specific watches, wait for completion, repeat N times')
+        print('')
+        print('Batch mode:')
+        print('  -b                Run in batch mode (process queue then exit)')
+        print('                    Useful for CI/CD, cron jobs, or one-time checks')
+        print('                    NOTE: Batch mode checks if Flask is running and aborts if port is in use')
+        print('                    Use -p PORT to specify a different port if needed')
+        print('')
+        sys.exit(0)
+
+    if '--version' in sys.argv or '-v' in sys.argv:
+        print(f'changedetection.io {__version__}')
+        sys.exit(0)
+
+    # Import heavy modules after help/version checks to keep startup fast for those flags
+    from changedetectionio import store
+    from changedetectionio.flask_app import changedetection_app
+
     datastore_path = None
     do_cleanup = False
-    # Optional URL to watch since start
-    default_url = None
     # Set a default logger level
     logger_level = 'DEBUG'
     include_default_watches = True
@@ -137,6 +190,13 @@ def main():
     port = int(os.environ.get('PORT', 5000))
     ssl_mode = False
 
+    # Lists for multiple URLs and their options
+    urls_to_add = []
+    url_options = {}  # Key: index (0-based), Value: dict of options
+    recheck_watches = None  # None, 'all', or list of UUIDs
+    recheck_repeat_count = 1  # Number of times to repeat recheck cycle
+    batch_mode = False  # Run once then exit when queue is empty
+
     # On Windows, create and use a default path.
     if os.name == 'nt':
         datastore_path = os.path.expandvars(r'%APPDATA%\changedetection.io')
@@ -145,10 +205,98 @@ def main():
         # Must be absolute so that send_from_directory doesnt try to make it relative to backend/
         datastore_path = os.path.join(os.getcwd(), "../datastore")
 
+    # Pre-process arguments to extract -u, -u<N>, and -r options before getopt
+    # This allows unlimited -u0, -u1, -u2, ... options without predefining them
+    cleaned_argv = ['changedetection.py']  # Start with program name
+    i = 1
+    while i < len(sys.argv):
+        arg = sys.argv[i]
+
+        # Handle -u (add URL)
+        if arg == '-u' and i + 1 < len(sys.argv):
+            urls_to_add.append(sys.argv[i + 1])
+            i += 2
+            continue
+
+        # Handle -u<N> (set options for URL at index N)
+        if arg.startswith('-u') and len(arg) > 2 and arg[2:].isdigit():
+            idx = int(arg[2:])
+            if i + 1 < len(sys.argv):
+                try:
+                    import json
+                    url_options[idx] = json.loads(sys.argv[i + 1])
+                except json.JSONDecodeError as e:
+                    print(f'Error: Invalid JSON for {arg}: {sys.argv[i + 1]}')
+                    print(f'JSON decode error: {e}')
+                    sys.exit(2)
+                i += 2
+                continue
+
+        # Handle -r (recheck watches)
+        if arg == '-r' and i + 1 < len(sys.argv):
+            recheck_arg = sys.argv[i + 1]
+            if recheck_arg.lower() == 'all':
+                recheck_watches = 'all'
+            else:
+                # Parse comma-separated list of UUIDs
+                recheck_watches = [uuid.strip() for uuid in recheck_arg.split(',') if uuid.strip()]
+
+            # Check for optional repeat count as third argument
+            if i + 2 < len(sys.argv) and sys.argv[i + 2].isdigit():
+                recheck_repeat_count = int(sys.argv[i + 2])
+                if recheck_repeat_count < 1:
+                    print(f'Error: Repeat count must be at least 1, got {recheck_repeat_count}')
+                    sys.exit(2)
+                i += 3
+            else:
+                i += 2
+            continue
+
+        # Handle -b (batch mode - run once and exit)
+        if arg == '-b':
+            batch_mode = True
+            i += 1
+            continue
+
+        # Keep other arguments for getopt
+        cleaned_argv.append(arg)
+        i += 1
+
     try:
-        opts, args = getopt.getopt(sys.argv[1:], "6Ccsd:h:p:l:u:", "port")
-    except getopt.GetoptError:
-        print('backend.py -s SSL enable -h [host] -p [port] -d [datastore path] -u [default URL to watch] -l [debug level - TRACE, DEBUG(default), INFO, SUCCESS, WARNING, ERROR, CRITICAL]')
+        opts, args = getopt.getopt(cleaned_argv[1:], "6Ccsd:h:p:l:", "port")
+    except getopt.GetoptError as e:
+        print('Usage: changedetection.py [options]')
+        print('')
+        print('Standard options:')
+        print('  -s                SSL enable')
+        print('  -h HOST           Listen host (default: 0.0.0.0)')
+        print('  -p PORT           Listen port (default: 5000)')
+        print('  -d PATH           Datastore path')
+        print('  -l LEVEL          Log level (TRACE, DEBUG, INFO, SUCCESS, WARNING, ERROR, CRITICAL)')
+        print('  -c                Cleanup unused snapshots')
+        print('  -C                Create datastore directory if it doesn\'t exist')
+        print('')
+        print('Add URLs on startup:')
+        print('  -u URL            Add URL to watch (can be used multiple times)')
+        print('  -u0 \'JSON\'        Set options for first -u URL (e.g. \'{"processor":"text_json_diff"}\')')
+        print('  -u1 \'JSON\'        Set options for second -u URL (0-indexed)')
+        print('  -u2 \'JSON\'        Set options for third -u URL, etc.')
+        print('                    Available options: processor, fetch_backend, headers, method, etc.')
+        print('                    See model/Watch.py for all available options')
+        print('')
+        print('Recheck on startup:')
+        print('  -r all            Queue all watches for recheck on startup')
+        print('  -r UUID,...       Queue specific watches (comma-separated UUIDs)')
+        print('  -r all N          Queue all watches, wait for completion, repeat N times')
+        print('  -r UUID,... N     Queue specific watches, wait for completion, repeat N times')
+        print('')
+        print('Batch mode:')
+        print('  -b                Run in batch mode (process queue then exit)')
+        print('                    Useful for CI/CD, cron jobs, or one-time checks')
+        print('                    NOTE: Batch mode checks if Flask is running and aborts if port is in use')
+        print('                    Use -p PORT to specify a different port if needed')
+        print('')
+        print(f'Error: {e}')
         sys.exit(2)
 
     create_datastore_dir = False
@@ -173,10 +321,6 @@ def main():
         if opt == '-d':
             datastore_path = arg
 
-        if opt == '-u':
-            default_url = arg
-            include_default_watches = False
-
         # Cleanup (remove text files that arent in the index)
         if opt == '-c':
             do_cleanup = True
@@ -188,6 +332,10 @@ def main():
         if opt == '-l':
             logger_level = int(arg) if arg.isdigit() else arg.upper()
 
+    # If URLs are provided, don't include default watches
+    if urls_to_add:
+        include_default_watches = False
+
 
     logger.success(f"changedetection.io version {get_version()} starting.")
     # Launch using SocketIO run method for proper integration (if enabled)
@@ -224,11 +372,16 @@ def main():
     logging.getLogger('pyppeteer.connection.Connection').setLevel(logging.WARNING)
 
     # isnt there some @thingy to attach to each route to tell it, that this route needs a datastore
-    app_config = {'datastore_path': datastore_path}
+    app_config = {
+        'datastore_path': datastore_path,
+        'batch_mode': batch_mode,
+        'recheck_watches': recheck_watches,
+        'recheck_repeat_count': recheck_repeat_count
+    }
 
     if not os.path.isdir(app_config['datastore_path']):
         if create_datastore_dir:
-            os.mkdir(app_config['datastore_path'])
+            os.makedirs(app_config['datastore_path'], exist_ok=True)
         else:
             logger.critical(
                 f"ERROR: Directory path for the datastore '{app_config['datastore_path']}'"
@@ -249,11 +402,200 @@ def main():
     from changedetectionio.pluggy_interface import inject_datastore_into_plugins
     inject_datastore_into_plugins(datastore)
 
-    if default_url:
-        datastore.add_watch(url = default_url)
+    # Step 1: Add URLs with their options (if provided via -u flags)
+    added_watch_uuids = []
+    if urls_to_add:
+        logger.info(f"Adding {len(urls_to_add)} URL(s) from command line")
+        for idx, url in enumerate(urls_to_add):
+            extras = url_options.get(idx, {})
+            if extras:
+                logger.debug(f"Adding watch {idx}: {url} with options: {extras}")
+            else:
+                logger.debug(f"Adding watch {idx}: {url}")
+
+            new_uuid = datastore.add_watch(url=url, extras=extras)
+            if new_uuid:
+                added_watch_uuids.append(new_uuid)
+                logger.success(f"Added watch: {url} (UUID: {new_uuid})")
+            else:
+                logger.error(f"Failed to add watch: {url}")
 
     app = changedetection_app(app_config, datastore)
 
+    # Step 2: Queue newly added watches (if -u was provided in batch mode)
+    # This must happen AFTER app initialization so update_q is available
+    if batch_mode and added_watch_uuids:
+        from changedetectionio.flask_app import update_q
+        from changedetectionio import queuedWatchMetaData, worker_handler
+
+        logger.info(f"Batch mode: Queuing {len(added_watch_uuids)} newly added watches")
+        for watch_uuid in added_watch_uuids:
+            try:
+                worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(
+                    update_q,
+                    queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': watch_uuid})
+                )
+                logger.debug(f"Queued newly added watch: {watch_uuid}")
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.error(f"Failed to queue watch {watch_uuid}: {e}")
+
+    # Step 3: Queue watches for recheck (if -r was provided)
+    # This must happen AFTER app initialization so update_q is available
+    if recheck_watches is not None:
+        from changedetectionio.flask_app import update_q
+        from changedetectionio import queuedWatchMetaData, worker_handler
+
+        watches_to_queue = []
+        if recheck_watches == 'all':
+            # Queue all watches, excluding those already queued in batch mode
+            all_watches = list(datastore.data['watching'].keys())
+            if batch_mode and added_watch_uuids:
+                # Exclude newly added watches that were already queued in batch mode
+                watches_to_queue = [uuid for uuid in all_watches if uuid not in added_watch_uuids]
+                logger.info(f"Queuing {len(watches_to_queue)} existing watches for recheck ({len(added_watch_uuids)} newly added watches already queued)")
+            else:
+                watches_to_queue = all_watches
+                logger.info(f"Queuing all {len(watches_to_queue)} watches for recheck")
+        else:
+            # Queue specific UUIDs
+            watches_to_queue = recheck_watches
+            logger.info(f"Queuing {len(watches_to_queue)} specific watches for recheck")
+
+        queued_count = 0
+        for watch_uuid in watches_to_queue:
+            if watch_uuid in datastore.data['watching']:
+                try:
+                    worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(
+                        update_q,
+                        queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': watch_uuid})
+                    )
+                    queued_count += 1
+                    logger.debug(f"Queued watch for recheck: {watch_uuid}")
+                except Exception as e:
+                    logger.error(f"Failed to queue watch {watch_uuid}: {e}")
+            else:
+                logger.warning(f"Watch UUID not found in datastore: {watch_uuid}")
+
+        logger.success(f"Successfully queued {queued_count} watches for recheck")
+
+    # Step 4: Setup batch mode monitor (if -b was provided)
+    if batch_mode:
+        from changedetectionio.flask_app import update_q
+
+        # Safety check: Ensure Flask app is not already running on this port
+        # Batch mode should never run alongside the web server
+        import socket
+        test_socket = socket.socket(socket.AF_INET, socket.SOCK_STREAM)
+
+        try:
+            # Try to bind to the configured host:port (no SO_REUSEADDR - strict check)
+            test_socket.bind((host, port))
+            test_socket.close()
+            logger.debug(f"Batch mode: Port {port} is available (Flask app not running)")
+        except OSError as e:
+            test_socket.close()
+            # errno 98 = EADDRINUSE (Linux)
+            # errno 48 = EADDRINUSE (macOS)
+            # errno 10048 = WSAEADDRINUSE (Windows)
+            if e.errno in (48, 98, 10048) or "Address already in use" in str(e) or "already in use" in str(e).lower():
+                logger.critical(f"ERROR: Batch mode cannot run - port {port} is already in use")
+                logger.critical(f"The Flask web server appears to be running on {host}:{port}")
+                logger.critical(f"Batch mode is designed for standalone operation (CI/CD, cron jobs, etc.)")
+                logger.critical(f"Please either stop the Flask web server, or use a different port with -p PORT")
+                sys.exit(1)
+            else:
+                # Some other socket error - log but continue (might be network configuration issue)
+                logger.warning(f"Port availability check failed with unexpected error: {e}")
+                logger.warning(f"Continuing with batch mode anyway - be aware of potential conflicts")
+
+        def queue_watches_for_recheck(datastore, iteration):
+            """Helper function to queue watches for recheck"""
+            watches_to_queue = []
+            if recheck_watches == 'all':
+                all_watches = list(datastore.data['watching'].keys())
+                if batch_mode and added_watch_uuids and iteration == 1:
+                    # Only exclude newly added watches on first iteration
+                    watches_to_queue = [uuid for uuid in all_watches if uuid not in added_watch_uuids]
+                else:
+                    watches_to_queue = all_watches
+                logger.info(f"Batch mode (iteration {iteration}): Queuing all {len(watches_to_queue)} watches")
+            elif recheck_watches:
+                watches_to_queue = recheck_watches
+                logger.info(f"Batch mode (iteration {iteration}): Queuing {len(watches_to_queue)} specific watches")
+
+            queued_count = 0
+            for watch_uuid in watches_to_queue:
+                if watch_uuid in datastore.data['watching']:
+                    try:
+                        worker_handler.queue_item_async_safe(
+                            update_q,
+                            queuedWatchMetaData.PrioritizedItem(priority=1, item={'uuid': watch_uuid})
+                        )
+                        queued_count += 1
+                    except Exception as e:
+                        logger.error(f"Failed to queue watch {watch_uuid}: {e}")
+                else:
+                    logger.warning(f"Watch UUID not found in datastore: {watch_uuid}")
+            logger.success(f"Batch mode (iteration {iteration}): Successfully queued {queued_count} watches")
+            return queued_count
+
+        def batch_mode_monitor():
+            """Monitor queue and workers, shutdown or repeat when work is complete"""
+            import time
+
+            # Track iterations if repeat mode is enabled
+            current_iteration = 1
+            total_iterations = recheck_repeat_count if recheck_watches and recheck_repeat_count > 1 else 1
+
+            if total_iterations > 1:
+                logger.info(f"Batch mode: Will repeat recheck {total_iterations} times")
+            else:
+                logger.info("Batch mode: Waiting for all queued items to complete...")
+
+            # Wait a bit for workers to start processing
+            time.sleep(3)
+
+            try:
+                while current_iteration <= total_iterations:
+                    logger.info(f"Batch mode: Waiting for iteration {current_iteration}/{total_iterations} to complete...")
+
+                    # Use the shared wait_for_all_checks function
+                    completed = worker_handler.wait_for_all_checks(update_q, timeout=300)
+
+                    if not completed:
+                        logger.warning(f"Batch mode: Iteration {current_iteration} timed out after 300 seconds")
+
+                    logger.success(f"Batch mode: Iteration {current_iteration}/{total_iterations} completed")
+
+                    # Check if we need to repeat
+                    if current_iteration < total_iterations:
+                        logger.info(f"Batch mode: Starting iteration {current_iteration + 1}...")
+                        current_iteration += 1
+
+                        # Re-queue watches for next iteration
+                        queue_watches_for_recheck(datastore, current_iteration)
+
+                        # Brief pause before continuing
+                        time.sleep(2)
+                    else:
+                        # All iterations complete
+                        logger.success(f"Batch mode: All {total_iterations} iterations completed, initiating shutdown")
+                        # Trigger shutdown
+                        import os, signal
+                        os.kill(os.getpid(), signal.SIGTERM)
+                        return
+
+            except Exception as e:
+                logger.error(f"Batch mode monitor error: {e}")
+                logger.error(f"Initiating emergency shutdown")
+                import os, signal
+                os.kill(os.getpid(), signal.SIGTERM)
+
+        # Start monitor in background thread
+        monitor_thread = threading.Thread(target=batch_mode_monitor, daemon=True, name="BatchModeMonitor")
+        monitor_thread.start()
+        logger.info("Batch mode enabled: Will exit after all queued items are processed")
+
     # Get the SocketIO instance from the Flask app (created in flask_app.py)
     from changedetectionio.flask_app import socketio_server
     global socketio
@@ -314,20 +656,33 @@ def main():
         app.wsgi_app = ProxyFix(app.wsgi_app, x_prefix=1, x_host=1)
 
 
-    # SocketIO instance is already initialized in flask_app.py
-    if socketio_server:
-        if ssl_mode:
-            logger.success(f"SSL mode enabled, attempting to start with '{ssl_cert_file}' and '{ssl_privkey_file}' in {os.getcwd()}")
-            socketio.run(app, host=host, port=int(port), debug=False,
-                         ssl_context=(ssl_cert_file, ssl_privkey_file), allow_unsafe_werkzeug=True)
-        else:
-            socketio.run(app, host=host, port=int(port), debug=False, allow_unsafe_werkzeug=True)
+    # In batch mode, skip starting the HTTP server - just keep workers running
+    if batch_mode:
+        logger.info("Batch mode: Skipping HTTP server startup, workers will process queue")
+        logger.info("Batch mode: Main thread will wait for shutdown signal")
+        # Keep main thread alive until batch monitor triggers shutdown
+        try:
+            while True:
+                time.sleep(1)
+        except KeyboardInterrupt:
+            logger.info("Batch mode: Keyboard interrupt received")
+            pass
     else:
-        # Run Flask app without Socket.IO if disabled
-        logger.info("Starting Flask app without Socket.IO server")
-        if ssl_mode:
-            logger.success(f"SSL mode enabled, attempting to start with '{ssl_cert_file}' and '{ssl_privkey_file}' in {os.getcwd()}")
-            app.run(host=host, port=int(port), debug=False,
-                    ssl_context=(ssl_cert_file, ssl_privkey_file))
+        # Normal mode: Start HTTP server
+        # SocketIO instance is already initialized in flask_app.py
+        if socketio_server:
+            if ssl_mode:
+                logger.success(f"SSL mode enabled, attempting to start with '{ssl_cert_file}' and '{ssl_privkey_file}' in {os.getcwd()}")
+                socketio.run(app, host=host, port=int(port), debug=False,
+                             ssl_context=(ssl_cert_file, ssl_privkey_file), allow_unsafe_werkzeug=True)
+            else:
+                socketio.run(app, host=host, port=int(port), debug=False, allow_unsafe_werkzeug=True)
         else:
-            app.run(host=host, port=int(port), debug=False)
+            # Run Flask app without Socket.IO if disabled
+            logger.info("Starting Flask app without Socket.IO server")
+            if ssl_mode:
+                logger.success(f"SSL mode enabled, attempting to start with '{ssl_cert_file}' and '{ssl_privkey_file}' in {os.getcwd()}")
+                app.run(host=host, port=int(port), debug=False,
+                        ssl_context=(ssl_cert_file, ssl_privkey_file))
+            else:
+                app.run(host=host, port=int(port), debug=False)
diff --git a/changedetectionio/async_update_worker.py b/changedetectionio/async_update_worker.py
index afb59901..cabed7c5 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/async_update_worker.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/async_update_worker.py
@@ -89,11 +89,16 @@ async def async_update_worker(worker_id, q, notification_q, app, datastore, exec
             continue
 
         uuid = queued_item_data.item.get('uuid')
-        # RACE CONDITION FIX: Check if this UUID is already being processed by another worker
+
+        # RACE CONDITION FIX: Atomically claim this UUID for processing
         from changedetectionio import worker_handler
         from changedetectionio.queuedWatchMetaData import PrioritizedItem
-        if worker_handler.is_watch_running_by_another_worker(uuid, worker_id):
-            logger.trace(f"Worker {worker_id} detected UUID {uuid} already being processed by another worker - deferring")
+
+        # Try to claim the UUID atomically - prevents duplicate processing
+        if not worker_handler.claim_uuid_for_processing(uuid, worker_id):
+            # Already being processed by another worker
+            logger.trace(f"Worker {worker_id} detected UUID {uuid} already being processed - deferring")
+
             # Sleep to avoid tight loop and give the other worker time to finish
             await asyncio.sleep(DEFER_SLEEP_TIME_ALREADY_QUEUED)
 
@@ -105,9 +110,6 @@ async def async_update_worker(worker_id, q, notification_q, app, datastore, exec
             continue
 
         fetch_start_time = round(time.time())
-
-        # Mark this UUID as being processed by this worker
-        worker_handler.set_uuid_processing(uuid, worker_id=worker_id, processing=True)
         
         try:
             if uuid in list(datastore.data['watching'].keys()) and datastore.data['watching'][uuid].get('url'):
@@ -487,8 +489,8 @@ async def async_update_worker(worker_id, q, notification_q, app, datastore, exec
                 except Exception as e:
                     logger.error(f"Exception while cleaning/quit after calling browser: {e}")
                 try:
-                    # Mark UUID as no longer being processed by this worker
-                    worker_handler.set_uuid_processing(uuid, worker_id=worker_id, processing=False)
+                    # Release UUID from processing (thread-safe)
+                    worker_handler.release_uuid_from_processing(uuid, worker_id=worker_id)
                     
                     # Send completion signal
                     if watch:
diff --git a/changedetectionio/flask_app.py b/changedetectionio/flask_app.py
index 4333cd2c..5a9d7adc 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/flask_app.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/flask_app.py
@@ -401,7 +401,10 @@ def changedetection_app(config=None, datastore_o=None):
     # so far just for read-only via tests, but this will be moved eventually to be the main source
     # (instead of the global var)
     app.config['DATASTORE'] = datastore_o
-    
+
+    # Store batch mode flag to skip background threads when running in batch mode
+    app.config['batch_mode'] = config.get('batch_mode', False) if config else False
+
     # Store the signal in the app config to ensure it's accessible everywhere
     app.config['watch_check_update_SIGNAL'] = watch_check_update
 
@@ -805,6 +808,8 @@ def changedetection_app(config=None, datastore_o=None):
 
     # Initialize Socket.IO server conditionally based on settings
     socket_io_enabled = datastore.data['settings']['application']['ui'].get('socket_io_enabled', True)
+    if socket_io_enabled and app.config.get('batch_mode'):
+        socket_io_enabled = False
     if socket_io_enabled:
         from changedetectionio.realtime.socket_server import init_socketio
         global socketio_server
@@ -902,14 +907,19 @@ def changedetection_app(config=None, datastore_o=None):
     logger.info(f"Starting {n_workers} workers during app initialization")
     worker_handler.start_workers(n_workers, update_q, notification_q, app, datastore)
 
-    # @todo handle ctrl break
-    ticker_thread = threading.Thread(target=ticker_thread_check_time_launch_checks, daemon=True, name="TickerThread-ScheduleChecker").start()
-    threading.Thread(target=notification_runner, daemon=True, name="NotificationRunner").start()
+    # Skip background threads in batch mode (just process queue and exit)
+    batch_mode = app.config.get('batch_mode', False)
+    if not batch_mode:
+        # @todo handle ctrl break
+        ticker_thread = threading.Thread(target=ticker_thread_check_time_launch_checks, daemon=True, name="TickerThread-ScheduleChecker").start()
+        threading.Thread(target=notification_runner, daemon=True, name="NotificationRunner").start()
 
-    in_pytest = "pytest" in sys.modules or "PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST" in os.environ
-    # Check for new release version, but not when running in test/build or pytest
-    if not os.getenv("GITHUB_REF", False) and not strtobool(os.getenv('DISABLE_VERSION_CHECK', 'no')) and not in_pytest:
-        threading.Thread(target=check_for_new_version, daemon=True, name="VersionChecker").start()
+        in_pytest = "pytest" in sys.modules or "PYTEST_CURRENT_TEST" in os.environ
+        # Check for new release version, but not when running in test/build or pytest
+        if not os.getenv("GITHUB_REF", False) and not strtobool(os.getenv('DISABLE_VERSION_CHECK', 'no')) and not in_pytest:
+            threading.Thread(target=check_for_new_version, daemon=True, name="VersionChecker").start()
+    else:
+        logger.info("Batch mode: Skipping ticker thread, notification runner, and version checker")
 
     # Return the Flask app - the Socket.IO will be attached to it but initialized separately
     # This avoids circular dependencies
diff --git a/changedetectionio/store.py b/changedetectionio/store.py
index 330c5948..296faf78 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/store.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/store.py
@@ -338,7 +338,6 @@ class ChangeDetectionStore:
         self.needs_write_urgent = True
 
     def add_watch(self, url, tag='', extras=None, tag_uuids=None, write_to_disk_now=True):
-        import requests
 
         if extras is None:
             extras = {}
@@ -349,6 +348,8 @@ class ChangeDetectionStore:
 
         # Was it a share link? try to fetch the data
         if (url.startswith("https://changedetection.io/share/")):
+            import requests
+
             try:
                 r = requests.request(method="GET",
                                      url=url,
diff --git a/changedetectionio/test_cli_opts.sh b/changedetectionio/test_cli_opts.sh
new file mode 100755
index 00000000..fc7e5e71
--- /dev/null
+++ b/changedetectionio/test_cli_opts.sh
@@ -0,0 +1,243 @@
+#!/bin/bash
+# Test script for CLI options - Parallel execution
+# Tests -u, -uN, -r, -b flags
+
+set -u  # Exit on undefined variables
+
+# Color output
+RED='\033[0;31m'
+GREEN='\033[0;32m'
+YELLOW='\033[1;33m'
+NC='\033[0m' # No Color
+
+# Test results directory (for parallel safety)
+TEST_RESULTS_DIR="/tmp/cli-test-results-$$"
+mkdir -p "$TEST_RESULTS_DIR"
+
+# Cleanup function
+cleanup() {
+    echo ""
+    echo "=== Cleaning up test directories ==="
+    rm -rf /tmp/cli-test-* 2>/dev/null || true
+    rm -rf "$TEST_RESULTS_DIR" 2>/dev/null || true
+    # Kill any hanging processes
+    pkill -f "changedetection.py.*cli-test" 2>/dev/null || true
+}
+trap cleanup EXIT
+
+# Helper to record test result
+record_result() {
+    local test_num=$1
+    local status=$2  # pass or fail
+    local message=$3
+
+    echo "$status|$message" > "$TEST_RESULTS_DIR/test_${test_num}.result"
+}
+
+# Run a test in background
+run_test() {
+    local test_num=$1
+    local test_name=$2
+    local test_func=$3
+
+    (
+        echo -e "${YELLOW}[Test $test_num]${NC} $test_name"
+        if $test_func "$test_num"; then
+            record_result "$test_num" "pass" "$test_name"
+            echo -e "${GREEN}✓ PASS${NC}: $test_name"
+        else
+            record_result "$test_num" "fail" "$test_name"
+            echo -e "${RED}✗ FAIL${NC}: $test_name"
+        fi
+    ) &
+}
+
+# =============================================================================
+# Test Functions (each runs independently)
+# =============================================================================
+
+test_help_flag() {
+    local test_id=$1
+    timeout 3 python3 changedetection.py --help 2>&1 | grep -q "Add URLs on startup"
+}
+
+test_version_flag() {
+    local test_id=$1
+    timeout 3 python3 changedetection.py --version 2>&1 | grep -qE "changedetection.io [0-9]+\.[0-9]+"
+}
+
+test_single_url() {
+    local test_id=$1
+    local dir="/tmp/cli-test-single-${test_id}-$$"
+    timeout 10 python3 changedetection.py -d "$dir" -C -u https://example.com -b &>/dev/null
+    [ -f "$dir/url-watches.json" ] && \
+    [ "$(python3 -c "import json; print(len(json.load(open('$dir/url-watches.json')).get('watching', {})))")" -eq 1 ]
+}
+
+test_multiple_urls() {
+    local test_id=$1
+    local dir="/tmp/cli-test-multi-${test_id}-$$"
+    timeout 12 python3 changedetection.py -d "$dir" -C \
+        -u https://example.com \
+        -u https://github.com \
+        -u https://httpbin.org \
+        -b &>/dev/null
+    [ -f "$dir/url-watches.json" ] && \
+    [ "$(python3 -c "import json; print(len(json.load(open('$dir/url-watches.json')).get('watching', {})))")" -eq 3 ]
+}
+
+test_url_with_options() {
+    local test_id=$1
+    local dir="/tmp/cli-test-opts-${test_id}-$$"
+    timeout 10 python3 changedetection.py -d "$dir" -C \
+        -u https://example.com \
+        -u0 '{"title":"Test Site","processor":"text_json_diff"}' \
+        -b &>/dev/null
+    [ -f "$dir/url-watches.json" ] && \
+    python3 -c "import json; data=json.load(open('$dir/url-watches.json')); watches=data.get('watching', {}); exit(0 if any(w.get('title')=='Test Site' for w in watches.values()) else 1)"
+}
+
+test_multiple_urls_with_options() {
+    local test_id=$1
+    local dir="/tmp/cli-test-multi-opts-${test_id}-$$"
+    timeout 12 python3 changedetection.py -d "$dir" -C \
+        -u https://example.com \
+        -u0 '{"title":"Site One"}' \
+        -u https://github.com \
+        -u1 '{"title":"Site Two"}' \
+        -b &>/dev/null
+    [ -f "$dir/url-watches.json" ] && \
+    [ "$(python3 -c "import json; print(len(json.load(open('$dir/url-watches.json')).get('watching', {})))")" -eq 2 ] && \
+    python3 -c "import json; data=json.load(open('$dir/url-watches.json')); watches=data.get('watching', {}); titles=[w.get('title') for w in watches.values()]; exit(0 if 'Site One' in titles and 'Site Two' in titles else 1)"
+}
+
+test_batch_mode_exit() {
+    local test_id=$1
+    local dir="/tmp/cli-test-batch-${test_id}-$$"
+    local start=$(date +%s)
+    timeout 15 python3 changedetection.py -d "$dir" -C \
+        -u https://example.com \
+        -b &>/dev/null
+    local end=$(date +%s)
+    local elapsed=$((end - start))
+    [ $elapsed -lt 14 ]
+}
+
+test_recheck_all() {
+    local test_id=$1
+    local dir="/tmp/cli-test-recheck-all-${test_id}-$$"
+    mkdir -p "$dir"
+    cat > "$dir/url-watches.json" << 'EOF'
+{"watching":{"test-uuid":{"url":"https://example.com","last_checked":0,"processor":"text_json_diff","uuid":"test-uuid"}},"settings":{"application":{"password":false}}}
+EOF
+    timeout 10 python3 changedetection.py -d "$dir" -r all -b 2>&1 | grep -q "Queuing all"
+}
+
+test_recheck_specific() {
+    local test_id=$1
+    local dir="/tmp/cli-test-recheck-uuid-${test_id}-$$"
+    mkdir -p "$dir"
+    cat > "$dir/url-watches.json" << 'EOF'
+{"watching":{"uuid-1":{"url":"https://example.com","last_checked":0,"processor":"text_json_diff","uuid":"uuid-1"},"uuid-2":{"url":"https://github.com","last_checked":0,"processor":"text_json_diff","uuid":"uuid-2"}},"settings":{"application":{"password":false}}}
+EOF
+    timeout 10 python3 changedetection.py -d "$dir" -r uuid-1,uuid-2 -b 2>&1 | grep -q "Queuing 2 specific watches"
+}
+
+test_combined_operations() {
+    local test_id=$1
+    local dir="/tmp/cli-test-combined-${test_id}-$$"
+    timeout 12 python3 changedetection.py -d "$dir" -C \
+        -u https://example.com \
+        -u https://github.com \
+        -r all \
+        -b &>/dev/null
+    [ -f "$dir/url-watches.json" ] && \
+    [ "$(python3 -c "import json; print(len(json.load(open('$dir/url-watches.json')).get('watching', {})))")" -eq 2 ]
+}
+
+test_invalid_json() {
+    local test_id=$1
+    local dir="/tmp/cli-test-invalid-${test_id}-$$"
+    timeout 5 python3 changedetection.py -d "$dir" -C \
+        -u https://example.com \
+        -u0 'invalid json here' \
+        2>&1 | grep -qi "invalid json\|json decode error"
+}
+
+test_create_directory() {
+    local test_id=$1
+    local dir="/tmp/cli-test-create-${test_id}-$$/nested/path"
+    timeout 10 python3 changedetection.py -d "$dir" -C \
+        -u https://example.com \
+        -b &>/dev/null
+    [ -d "$dir" ]
+}
+
+# =============================================================================
+# Main Test Execution
+# =============================================================================
+
+echo "=========================================="
+echo "  CLI Options Test Suite (Parallel)"
+echo "=========================================="
+echo ""
+
+# Launch all tests in parallel
+run_test 1 "Help flag (--help) shows usage without initialization" test_help_flag
+run_test 2 "Version flag (--version) displays version" test_version_flag
+run_test 3 "Add single URL with -u flag" test_single_url
+run_test 4 "Add multiple URLs with multiple -u flags" test_multiple_urls
+run_test 5 "Add URL with JSON options using -u0" test_url_with_options
+run_test 6 "Add multiple URLs with different options (-u0, -u1)" test_multiple_urls_with_options
+run_test 7 "Batch mode (-b) exits automatically after processing" test_batch_mode_exit
+run_test 8 "Recheck all watches with -r all" test_recheck_all
+run_test 9 "Recheck specific watches with -r UUID" test_recheck_specific
+run_test 10 "Combined: Add URLs and recheck all with -u and -r all" test_combined_operations
+run_test 11 "Invalid JSON in -u0 option should show error" test_invalid_json
+run_test 12 "Create datastore directory with -C flag" test_create_directory
+
+# Wait for all tests to complete
+echo ""
+echo "Waiting for all tests to complete..."
+wait
+
+# Collect results
+echo ""
+echo "=========================================="
+echo "  Test Summary"
+echo "=========================================="
+
+TESTS_RUN=0
+TESTS_PASSED=0
+TESTS_FAILED=0
+
+for result_file in "$TEST_RESULTS_DIR"/test_*.result; do
+    if [ -f "$result_file" ]; then
+        TESTS_RUN=$((TESTS_RUN + 1))
+        status=$(cut -d'|' -f1 < "$result_file")
+        if [ "$status" = "pass" ]; then
+            TESTS_PASSED=$((TESTS_PASSED + 1))
+        else
+            TESTS_FAILED=$((TESTS_FAILED + 1))
+        fi
+    fi
+done
+
+echo "Tests run:    $TESTS_RUN"
+echo -e "${GREEN}Tests passed: $TESTS_PASSED${NC}"
+if [ $TESTS_FAILED -gt 0 ]; then
+    echo -e "${RED}Tests failed: $TESTS_FAILED${NC}"
+else
+    echo -e "${GREEN}Tests failed: $TESTS_FAILED${NC}"
+fi
+echo "=========================================="
+echo ""
+
+# Exit with appropriate code
+if [ $TESTS_FAILED -gt 0 ]; then
+    echo -e "${RED}Some tests failed!${NC}"
+    exit 1
+else
+    echo -e "${GREEN}All tests passed!${NC}"
+    exit 0
+fi
diff --git a/changedetectionio/tests/conftest.py b/changedetectionio/tests/conftest.py
index 68f3dd03..702af2aa 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/tests/conftest.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/tests/conftest.py
@@ -5,13 +5,11 @@ from threading import Thread
 
 import pytest
 import arrow
-from changedetectionio import changedetection_app
 from changedetectionio import store
 import os
 import sys
-from loguru import logger
 
-from changedetectionio.flask_app import init_app_secret
+from changedetectionio.flask_app import init_app_secret, changedetection_app
 from changedetectionio.tests.util import live_server_setup, new_live_server_setup
 
 # https://github.com/pallets/flask/blob/1.1.2/examples/tutorial/tests/test_auth.py
diff --git a/changedetectionio/tests/util.py b/changedetectionio/tests/util.py
index 2b8dda98..a531d4a5 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/tests/util.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/tests/util.py
@@ -140,38 +140,13 @@ def delete_all_watches(client=None):
 def wait_for_all_checks(client=None):
     """
     Waits until the queue is empty and workers are idle.
-    Much faster than the original with adaptive timing.
+    Delegates to worker_handler.wait_for_all_checks for shared logic.
     """
     from changedetectionio.flask_app import update_q as global_update_q
     from changedetectionio import worker_handler
-    empty_since = None
-    attempt = 0
-    max_attempts = 150  # Still reasonable upper bound
 
-    while attempt < max_attempts:
-        # Start with fast checks, slow down if needed
-        if attempt < 10:
-            time.sleep(0.2)  # Very fast initial checks
-        elif attempt < 30:
-            time.sleep(0.4)  # Medium speed
-        else:
-            time.sleep(0.8)  # Slower for persistent issues
-
-        q_length = global_update_q.qsize()
-        running_uuids = worker_handler.get_running_uuids()
-        any_workers_busy = len(running_uuids) > 0
-
-        if q_length == 0 and not any_workers_busy:
-            if empty_since is None:
-                empty_since = time.time()
-            # Brief stabilization period for async workers
-            elif time.time() - empty_since >= 0.3:
-                break
-        else:
-            empty_since = None
-
-        attempt += 1
-        time.sleep(0.3)
+    # Use the shared wait logic from worker_handler
+    return worker_handler.wait_for_all_checks(global_update_q, timeout=150)
 
 def wait_for_watch_history(client, min_history_count=2, timeout=10):
     """
diff --git a/changedetectionio/worker_handler.py b/changedetectionio/worker_handler.py
index addcb6a5..51aa2ecc 100644
--- a/changedetectionio/worker_handler.py
+++ b/changedetectionio/worker_handler.py
@@ -17,6 +17,7 @@ worker_threads = []  # List of WorkerThread objects
 
 # Track currently processing UUIDs for async workers - maps {uuid: worker_id}
 currently_processing_uuids = {}
+_uuid_processing_lock = threading.Lock()  # Protects currently_processing_uuids
 
 # Configuration - async workers only
 USE_ASYNC_WORKERS = True
@@ -207,31 +208,80 @@ def get_worker_count():
 
 def get_running_uuids():
     """Get list of UUIDs currently being processed by async workers"""
-    return list(currently_processing_uuids.keys())
+    with _uuid_processing_lock:
+        return list(currently_processing_uuids.keys())
+
+
+def claim_uuid_for_processing(uuid, worker_id):
+    """
+    Atomically check if UUID is available and claim it for processing.
+
+    This is thread-safe and prevents race conditions where multiple workers
+    try to process the same UUID simultaneously.
+
+    Args:
+        uuid: The watch UUID to claim
+        worker_id: The ID of the worker claiming this UUID
+
+    Returns:
+        True if successfully claimed (UUID was not being processed)
+        False if already being processed by another worker
+    """
+    with _uuid_processing_lock:
+        if uuid in currently_processing_uuids:
+            # Already being processed by another worker
+            return False
+        # Claim it atomically
+        currently_processing_uuids[uuid] = worker_id
+        logger.debug(f"Worker {worker_id} claimed UUID: {uuid}")
+        return True
+
+
+def release_uuid_from_processing(uuid, worker_id):
+    """
+    Release a UUID from processing (thread-safe).
+
+    Args:
+        uuid: The watch UUID to release
+        worker_id: The ID of the worker releasing this UUID
+    """
+    with _uuid_processing_lock:
+        # Only remove if this worker owns it (defensive)
+        if currently_processing_uuids.get(uuid) == worker_id:
+            currently_processing_uuids.pop(uuid, None)
+            logger.debug(f"Worker {worker_id} released UUID: {uuid}")
+        else:
+            logger.warning(f"Worker {worker_id} tried to release UUID {uuid} but doesn't own it (owned by {currently_processing_uuids.get(uuid, 'nobody')})")
 
 
 def set_uuid_processing(uuid, worker_id=None, processing=True):
-    """Mark a UUID as being processed or completed by a specific worker"""
-    global currently_processing_uuids
+    """
+    Mark a UUID as being processed or completed by a specific worker.
+
+    DEPRECATED: Use claim_uuid_for_processing() and release_uuid_from_processing() instead.
+    This function is kept for backward compatibility but doesn't provide atomic check-and-set.
+    """
     if processing:
-        currently_processing_uuids[uuid] = worker_id
-        logger.debug(f"Worker {worker_id} started processing UUID: {uuid}")
+        with _uuid_processing_lock:
+            currently_processing_uuids[uuid] = worker_id
+            logger.debug(f"Worker {worker_id} started processing UUID: {uuid}")
     else:
-        currently_processing_uuids.pop(uuid, None)
-        logger.debug(f"Worker {worker_id} finished processing UUID: {uuid}")
+        release_uuid_from_processing(uuid, worker_id)
 
 
 def is_watch_running(watch_uuid):
     """Check if a specific watch is currently being processed by any worker"""
-    return watch_uuid in currently_processing_uuids
+    with _uuid_processing_lock:
+        return watch_uuid in currently_processing_uuids
 
 
 def is_watch_running_by_another_worker(watch_uuid, current_worker_id):
     """Check if a specific watch is currently being processed by a different worker"""
-    if watch_uuid not in currently_processing_uuids:
-        return False
-    processing_worker_id = currently_processing_uuids[watch_uuid]
-    return processing_worker_id != current_worker_id
+    with _uuid_processing_lock:
+        if watch_uuid not in currently_processing_uuids:
+            return False
+        processing_worker_id = currently_processing_uuids[watch_uuid]
+        return processing_worker_id != current_worker_id
 
 
 def queue_item_async_safe(update_q, item, silent=False):
@@ -381,6 +431,53 @@ def get_worker_status():
     }
 
 
+def wait_for_all_checks(update_q, timeout=150):
+    """
+    Wait for queue to be empty and all workers to be idle.
+
+    Args:
+        update_q: The update queue to monitor
+        timeout: Maximum wait time in seconds (default 150 = 150 iterations * 0.2-0.8s)
+
+    Returns:
+        bool: True if all checks completed, False if timeout
+    """
+    import time
+    empty_since = None
+    attempt = 0
+    max_attempts = timeout
+
+    while attempt < max_attempts:
+        # Adaptive sleep - start fast, slow down if needed
+        if attempt < 10:
+            sleep_time = 0.2  # Very fast initial checks
+        elif attempt < 30:
+            sleep_time = 0.4  # Medium speed
+        else:
+            sleep_time = 0.8  # Slower for persistent issues
+
+        time.sleep(sleep_time)
+
+        q_length = update_q.qsize()
+        running_uuids = get_running_uuids()
+        any_workers_busy = len(running_uuids) > 0
+
+        if q_length == 0 and not any_workers_busy:
+            if empty_since is None:
+                empty_since = time.time()
+            # Brief stabilization period for async workers
+            elif time.time() - empty_since >= 0.3:
+                # Add small buffer for filesystem operations to complete
+                time.sleep(0.2)
+                return True
+        else:
+            empty_since = None
+
+        attempt += 1
+
+    return False  # Timeout
+
+
 def check_worker_health(expected_count, update_q=None, notification_q=None, app=None, datastore=None):
     """
     Check if the expected number of async workers are running and restart any missing ones.