Framework for Evaluation of Programming Language Examinations - Computational Intelligence Techniques for Comparative Genomics - page 114

Framework for Evaluation
of Programming Language Examinations

Himani Mittal and Syamala Devi Mandalika

Abstract Recent advancements in the eld of e-learning and virtual learning have

changed the face of education. An important part of learning process is evaluation
of student learning through examinations. This paper suggests a framework for
evaluation of computer science practical examinations. The framework is imple-
mented using Java programming language and many open source tools and
libraries. The developed framework performs evaluation in four steps. The rst step

is compiler output interpretation in which the false errors generated by compiler are
eliminated and only actual errors are reported. In the second step, unit testing of
compiled programs is done. In third step, software metrics like lines of code, lines
of comment, McCabe

s cyclomatic complexity, and number of modules are cal-
culated for the programs. Finally, the semantic similarity of student programs is
checked against the model program. The implemented framework is tested on
student programs, and the accuracy of results is satisfactory. This framework will be
helpful

'

ciently evaluating student programs in practical examinations. It
works for C, C++, and Java programming languages.

in ef

Keywords Practical evaluation C Java C++ Program evaluation

1 Introduction

Teaching and learning process is undergoing a transition. Virtual learning and
e-learning platforms have changed the face of classroom teaching. Examinations are
an important part of learning process which requires to be computerized. In tra-
ditional examination system, the student writes his program in a programming