Automatically deduct late penalties in CodeGrade

Step 2: Add a Hidden Custom Test Block

Now go to the AutoTest Test, and follow these steps:

1. Add a Connect Rubric Block

Link it to the Late Penalty rubric category you created.

2. Inside it, add a Hide Config Block

This prevents students from seeing the test script output or logic.

3. Inside that, add a Custom Test Block

Use the script below to calculate the late penalty and output it in a format CodeGrade Custom Test understands.

Script 

#!/bin/bash

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python3 <<EOF

import os

import json

import math

from datetime import datetime, timedelta

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ONE_DAY = timedelta(days=1)

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# Load submission info

cg_info = json.loads(os.environ["CG_INFO"])

submitted_at = datetime.fromisoformat(cg_info["submitted_at"].replace("Z", "+00:00"))

deadline     = datetime.fromisoformat(cg_info["deadline"].replace("Z", "+00:00"))

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# Calculate how many days late

days_late = math.ceil((submitted_at - deadline) / ONE_DAY)

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# Determine score

if days_late <= 0:

    print("Submitted on time")

    print('{ "tag": "points", "points": "1" }', file=open(3, "w"))

elif days_late <= 10:

    print(f"{days_late} day(s) late")

    score = 1 - days_late / 10

    print(f'{{ "tag": "points", "points": "{score}" }}', file=open(3, "w"))

else:

    print("Very late, maximum penalty")

    print('{ "tag": "points", "points": "0" }', file=open(3, "w"))

EOF

This setup ensures that late penalties are applied automatically, fairly, and invisibly, saving time for instructors and ensuring consistency for students.

You can use this configuration as a starting point and customize it to match your course policies. For example:

• Add a grace period before penalties begin.
• Reduce the penalty rate (e.g., 0.5 points per day).
• Apply maximum caps, weekend leniency, or per-student deadline overrides.
  
  

Click here for an overview of custom test blocks in CodeGrade.

Do you have more ideas for custom testing? Contact support@codegrade.com today!