How difficult are novice code writing tasks? A software metrics approach

Whalley, J. and Kasto, N.

In this paper we report on an empirical study into the use of software metrics as a way of estimating the difficulty of code writing tasks. Our results indicate that software metrics can provide useful information about the difficulties inherent in code writing in first year programming assessment. We conclude that software metrics may be a useful tool to assist in the design and selection of questions when setting an examination.

Cite as: Whalley, J. and Kasto, N. (2014). How difficult are novice code writing tasks? A software metrics approach. In Proc. Sixteenth Australasian Computing Education Conference (ACE2014) Auckland, New Zealand. CRPIT, 148. Whalley, J. and D\'Souza, D. Eds., ACS. 105-112

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