Code similarity analysis is a specialized feature for programming assignments that automatically detects similarities between student code submissions. The feature performs language-aware analysis that goes beyond simple text matching by considering:
- Structural Analysis: Identifying similar code patterns despite different variable names or code formatting
- Algorithm Detection: Recognizing common algorithmic approaches and solution strategies
- Refactoring Recognition: Understanding when code has been reorganized but maintains the same logic
- Common Pattern Filtering: Distinguishing between standard programming patterns (e.g., loop structures, common libraries) and suspicious similarities
While valuable for computer science courses, we consider it out of scope for our general-purpose grading tool as specialized solutions already address this need effectively. The feature is most useful in conjunction with automated testing frameworks that verify code functionality.
Prerequisites
None
In use
- CodeExpert
- Various plagiarism detection tools for programming assignments