Description

This plugin provides automatic pre-checking and validation of student submissions for microcontroller lab assignments using ATmega devices. It enforces file naming conventions, validates ZIP structure, checks compilation status, and improves feedback — making the grading process smoother and more secure.

Designed for embedded systems or C-based lab courses, this plugin helps instructors ensure students submit correct, compiled .hex files along with their reports.

✅ Key Features

• One ZIP + One PDF per Submission
  Students must submit:

  • A PDF lab report (≤ 5MB)

  • A ZIP archive of code files (≤ 50MB)

• Automatic Filename Handling
  Both PDF and ZIP are auto-renamed to:
  LabX_studentID_WS20XX.pdf and LabX_studentID_WS20XX.zip

• ZIP Content Validation

  • No nested ZIPs or folder structures deeper than 1 level

  • Max 50 folders/subfolders allowed

  • Forbidden file types (e.g. .exe) are blocked

• .hex File Verification

  • Checks for empty .hex files

  • Detects if student ID (00000) was not replaced

  • Verifies presence of student ID in binary

  • Configurable minimum .hex file count

• Source File Compilation Checks

  • If .c/.h files are newer than .hex, submission is blocked

  • If .hex is too new (over 1 hour newer than source), shows a warning

• Missing Compiled Files Detection
  Flags folders that contain source code but no compiled .hex or .elf files

• Teacher-Only Cheating Warnings

  • Detects mismatches between expected and actual student IDs inside .hex

  • Flags suspicious cases (e.g., reused or borrowed .hex)

• Color-Coded Feedback and Validation Report

  • Students see ❌ errors and ⚠️ warnings instantly

  • Detailed .txt validation report generated on failed submission

  • Submissions with blocking errors are rejected; files are not saved

💼 Example Use Cases

• Embedded systems or microcontroller lab courses using AVR/ATmega

• Auto-evaluation of .c, .h, .hex, and .elf files

• Secure submission environments for student-generated code

• Grading support in large classes with repeated code submission

🔧 How It Works

1. Instructor sets up an assignment with ATmega plugin enabled.

2. Students upload 1 PDF + 1 ZIP.

3. The plugin:

   • Validates the file structure and size

   • Checks .hex compilation and ID embedding

   • Flags any violations or suspicious content

4. Students receive instant feedback (with download option for report).

5. Teachers can view extra cheating-related warnings during grading.

📂 File Types Recognized

• .c, .h, .elf, .hex, Makefile

• Nested .zip files or .exe are rejected

👥 Authors

• Ivan Volosyak

• Tangat Baktybergen

📚 Reference Material

Includes code examples inspired by:
"Microchip AVR Programming using ATmega Microcontrollers"
Volosyak, Ivan. ISBN: 978-3-8440-8015-5
Published by: Shaker Verlag, Germany, 2021
👉 Free suplemental material

🏛 Developed at

Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences (HSRW), Kleve, Germany

🔓 License

GNU GPL v3 or later