Code Documentation and Explanation

Purpose

This assignment aims to improve students’ code documentation skills by having them clearly explain the functionality, design, and rationale behind their coding choices. Students will reflect on their programming processes, enhancing their ability to communicate technical details effectively.

This assignment emphasizes metacognitive reflection—a uniquely human skill—encouraging students to analyze and articulate the reasoning behind their decisions, fostering deeper understanding and self-awareness.

Learning Outcomes

• LO 1: Explain the purpose and functionality of each part of the code.
• LO 2: Describe the algorithms and design decisions used in the code.
• LO 3: Justify assumptions and choices made during the coding process.

Instructions

1. Write Your Code Solution: Complete the coding task provided, ensuring it meets the specified requirements.
2. Document Code in Detail: For each part of your code, provide documentation that includes:
   • Functionality Explanation: Describe what each section or function of the code does. This includes detailing any specific features or methods.
   • Algorithm Analysis: Explain the algorithms or logic used. Describe why a particular approach was chosen (e.g., efficiency, readability).
   • Design Decisions: Discuss any significant design decisions made, such as structuring functions, choosing certain data structures, or implementing specific techniques.
   • Assumptions: Document any assumptions made while writing the code (e.g., expected input formats, limitations, edge cases).
3. Organize Documentation: Ensure that the documentation is clear and logically organized. You can use inline comments, docstrings, or a separate documentation file as specified in the assignment requirements.
4. Submit Code with Documentation: Your final submission should include both the code and detailed documentation.

Example Documentation Format

Code Example

def calculate_average(numbers):
    """Calculates the average of a list of numbers.

    Parameters:
        numbers (list of int/float): A list of numbers to calculate the average.

    Returns:
        float: The average of the numbers.

    Assumptions:
        - `numbers` is a non-empty list of numeric values (int or float).
        - Invalid data (non-numeric entries) is not expected.
    """
    # Sum all numbers and divide by the count to get the average
    total = sum(numbers)
    count = len(numbers)
    return total / count

Documentation Explanation

• Functionality Explanation: This function calculates the average of a list by summing all the values and dividing by the count.
• Algorithm Analysis: The algorithm used is a simple average calculation, chosen for its directness and suitability for small to moderate lists.
• Design Decisions: The function is structured to handle lists of numeric values, assuming all inputs are valid. Division by zero is not handled here, as the function assumes a non-empty list.
• Assumptions: The list contains only numeric values, and no error handling is implemented for non-numeric data types.

Grading Criteria

• Documentation Quality: Clear and comprehensive documentation that explains code functionality, algorithms, design choices, and assumptions.
• Clarity and Detail: Detailed, logical explanations that are easy to understand.
• Completeness: All parts of the code are documented, including any assumptions or design considerations.
• Organization: The documentation is well-organized, with a consistent format that enhances readability.