Research Projects

Project 1: Program analysis

Students need a lot of feedback on their programs when attempting to learn how to program. We currently use an automated system which can test a program's output for various input data, and are therefore reasonably sure that a program works correctly. However, we would like to provide a higher level of feedback by analysing the source code.

This project would analyse students' computer programs to to provide hopefully useful feedback and maybe a mark to the student. Here are some more details

Project 2: Source code interpreter

A source code interpreter provides a number of advantages in an educational context. For example

1. It provides a friendlier environment for a student. (There is no need to use a separate editor or compiler.)
2. It is easier to experiment with the ideas; just change the code and execute it.
3. If written as an applet it can be used interactively with Web based notes.

This project would be to develop a source code interpreter for Java. Here are some more details.