Homework Grading Criteria

Points for programming assignments are awarded for error-free compilation, correct program output, and overall program structure. The program structure grade is an evaluation of the quality of your code. This includes the following:

• Your code should have a clear, logical organization. Functions should be written as appropriate to break up the program. Don't put all of your code in the main function. In general, each function should easily fit on a single screen and have a clear purpose.

• Variable names and function names should be intuitive and meaningful. For example, if you need a variable to represent an employee's salary, use the name salary, not x.

• Use sufficient comments to describe functions and significant sections of code. These don't have to be long and involved. Keep them short and clear. Remember, comments are your opportunity to explain your logic to the TAs. But comments are also a important piece of documentation for all software, to help future developers maintain and extend the code.

• Use a consistent, logical method of indentation to make your program easy to read. For example, code inside a loop or if-else condition should be indented all at the same level (until reaching the inside of a nested loop or nested if-else construct).

• Don't type lines of text that are too wide to fit a typical text screen window (generally no more than 80-90 characters maximum). Break statements cleanly across multiple lines as needed.

• Avoid the use of global variables. Global constants are generally fine.

• Follow all instructions for the specific assignment about data structures required/not allowed, new class declarations, and use/modification of provided code.

Use the example code given in class, in lab, and in the textbooks as guidelines. Programs that are unclear and do not compile will earn little or no credit.

Program correctness will be determined by evaluating your program on a series of test data sets. We will make available some but not all of this data, along with sample output, prior to the assignment due date. This will help you judge the quality of your program, but will not guarantee correct results on all data. You will need to ensure this on your own by creating additional test cases.

See also the main Grading Criteria page, the Homework page, and the Programming Advice from TAs page for more information.