How do I create problems in Cody Coursework which require students to process data file(s)?

With the introduction of Cody Coursework, I'm often asked how to create problems requiring students process data files.

Answer 1

[MathWorks Community Team]

Here's how:

First, prepare the data file(s) you wish students' code to access.

Second, post the data file(s) somewhere online accessible by Cody Coursework. This must not be behind the school's firewall, it must be publicly accessible. One option is to use the public folder of a free dropbox account. If using DropBox, it will help to "copy the public link" using their web interface.

Third, design your Test Suite to load the data file into the students' current working folder before calling the students' code to test. Here's an example:

   %%Prepare data files for student
   in_f='http://url/datafile.csv';
   out_f='./datafile.csv';
   urlwrite(in_f,out_f);
   % check to ensure the file loaded ok
   fid=fopen(out_f);
   assert(isequal(CheckFile(),1));

other tests follow

Alternatively, for more advanced students, you could replace the third step by offering students a function template with code to bring the data into the local folder in which their code will be run by Cody Coursework. For example:

   function result = student_code(input)
     % hint for students, keep this template code
     urlwrite('http://url/datafile.csv','./datafile.csv');
     addpath('.');
     % students' TODO: insert your code here:

     % students, please do not modify code outside these comments
   end

Either way, students can now use standard MATLAB file operations to open and manipulate the data file(s) loaded into their current working folder.

Please note, to ensure system reliability, Cody Coursework resets system state each time a solution attempt is tested. This is why the file is loaded on each execution of the Test Suite.