totalem.py

totalem.py is a batch script for collecting a students *.grd files and generating an email file for each student. Actual mailing is done by mailem.py, thereby providing an opportunity to review and revise the grading. totalem.py takes as arguments a list of student directory names. Typical usage is:

totalem.py  *

totalem.py userid

Notes

• If no arguments are given, a usage message is printed and the script exits.

• If any argument is not a directory name in the current working directory, it is skipped.

• To determine grading categories, the script reads the configuration file key.cfg; if the file does not exist, the script prints an error message and quits.

• The *.grd files are collected for each student, in the order determined by the key.cfg file. Not all such files need be present. For example, the testing script may generate a late file only if late penalties are to be incurred.

• The *.grd files are converted to HTML sections with headers at the start of each category. The last section contains the students grade.

• Each mark is replaced by the point deduction and explanation as it exists in the key.cfg file, not as it exists in the graded work; this is an instance of late binding. It allows the point deduction and explanation to be freely changed without remarking students work. Only the file to be graded (category) and tag are used.

• If no errors occur, the students file userid/userid.html is generated. Otherwise, an error message is written.

• Lastly, a file named userid/userid.grd is constructed containing: the students grade and a list of marks applied.