Cracking the Code: How to Write a Flawless Programming Assignment

Writing programming assignments is not new. Students have been writing them for decades now. However, there is a blanket concern about how these assignments are written.

Programming students struggle presenting their work in written format even after correctly solving the assignment requirements by their professors. Programming assignments require repeated debugging, appropriate documentation, and strict submission deadlines.

In practice, your professor isn’t just looking for code that runs. They are looking for a clean, correct code that follows logic in its writing. Let’s break down a sure strategy to write code, structure it in a logical presentation to ensure you score high in your assignments. Ready?

Let’s first look at why most students struggle with programming assignments.

Why do you struggle with Programming Assignments?

Truth be told, programming assignments can be tough. From the rubric to submitting a quality assignment, you must be in the best position to analyze syntax rules, debug code errors, and figure out how it will all run smoothly. Without practice, submitting a passing paper can be difficult.

In many cases, programming students understand the technical aspects of their assignment. However, they struggle with compiling their work into a presentation that can receive passing marks from the professor.

Let’s look at the common mistakes that can negatively affect your grade.

Common Mistakes That Tank Your Grade

1. Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a simple way of getting grade zero or being disqualified in any test. Simply put, plagiarism involves using another person’s work to present it as your own. Plagiarism is academic misconduct. When you copy another person’s work without citing its source, your professor can grade assign you a zero or in the worst-case scenario – disqualify you from that unit. Even worse, some students have been expelled from their universities for such avoidable mistakes. Therefore, avoid copy-pasting your google searches and presenting them as your work. You will FAIL!

2. Not testing until it is too late

Many students keep writing code without pausing to test it or note any errors. Still, many will code for hours without saving the code or continuously testing it to see if they are on the right track.

3. Working as a loner

You sometimes don’t want to bother anyone with your work. It feels normal as everyone has to present their original work. But think about it, a second eye will always help you identify your errors and make changes before you submit your assignment for marking.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking you are the best thing after sliced bread. Whether it is a C++ project, decoding Java syntax, getting expert guidance isn't cheating—it's smart studying Assignment. Studying or working on your own won’t help.

Start by understanding what your rubric requires then use tools like Copilot and GitHub to plan your assignment. Your comments should include your sources - which must be included in the final submission.

Table 1: Common Mistakes & Quick Fixes for your programming assignments

Even experienced developers make simple mistakes. Make sure you avoid these marks if you are seeking a passing grade!

With these mistakes out of your way, let’s guide you in writing that programming assignment for that assured top grade.

How to Write a Flawless Programming Assignment

Here’s how to crack the code. Most students find it difficult but if you follow these steps, you are on your way to getting top grades and improving your GPA!

Step 1: Decode the Rubric (Because Mind-Reading Isn't a Skill)

This goes without saying. You must understand what your professor is looking for before you start writing your assignment. Before you can put down a line of code, make sure you understand your rubric as your degree depends on it. From experience, your professor is looking for clear code in the right structure.

They are looking to evaluate if a third party can understand what you are doing.

When using classes and functions, don’t cram everything into a single line. Ensure your code can be applied for different purposes. Edge case handling must be obvious in your code. “Edge case handling is the process of identifying and developing solutions for unusual, extreme, or rare situations in a system or software that fall outside the normal operating parameters.” It will get you that A+!

Step 2: Plan your Code early enough

You’ve heard this time and over. Maybe you are the type of person who jumps into the code before you figure out if it all makes sense. Planning will help you break down the rubric ensuring you are focused on what is required. You can note your plan in a notebook or an online tool such as Simplenote.

Your plan should detail your input, expected output, and the steps you will take to presenting your final submission. If you can find time, you can write pseudocode to guide you through your assignment.

 A pseudocode helps validate your input, calculate any variance, show results, and provide insight in to what errors you have to deal with. It saves you time on numerous revisions you may have to put up with in your work. Also, create a simple flowchart if the project is complex as it helps avoid errors.

3. Clean, Commented Code

Clean code builds authority as it shows your preparedness to be a professional. Always include This is where you build authority. Clean code is professional code. Comments ensure your professor can follow through the code and see how you are solving the problem at hand. You can do this next time when writing code for a C++ PROJECT.

Make sure you are consistent with your chosen style. Don’t switch to snake case after starting with camelCase.

4. Test your code for early fixing

You have been writing code for 8 hours straight. You believe in yourself so you don’t regularly stop to check your code. It will cost you. Be smart enough.

Test small parts of your code as you write more. This protects you against last minute disappointment when that code doesn’t run. Never wait until the eleventh hour for regrets! Tools like Pylint and VS Code Debugger can help you stay on track. Other tools such as Repl.it are reliable for smaller or quicker function tests.

5. Your final submission

You have written, tested, and debugged your code. You are confident in the output you see. The final step is presenting your work that guarantees that A+.

• Submit your work as a README.md file. Describe your program, what it does, how it runs, and any other assumptions you noted in the process.
• Apply correct formatting (4 spaces in Python, standard tab settings in Java/C++). It helps show how you attended to detail.
• Review your work before sending. Make sure the presentation is clean and properly formatted. Countercheck with your rubric interpretation and make sure you are not losing marks on structural errors. (Find about the rubber duck debugging!)

???? What you should take away

Programing is the science of solving problems through code. Make sure you are solving problems with the right code done in a methodical way. It takes grit to become fluent. We also understand the pressure of deadlines. Lack of technical know how and some other reason. Well, join us for online academic support for technical assignments today to get started!

Ready to level up your programming game? Our experts are here to help with everything from debugging to exam prep.