finmath classroom
A general-purpose classroom solution for programming assignments.
finmath classroom is a self-hosted Java application for administering programming assignments on GitHub. It provides student registration, private assignment repositories, automated test feedback and collection of results.
The project was created as a free, flexible alternative to GitHub Classroom. Instructors can create assignments for their own subjects by providing template repositories, instructions and tests.
Get started · Example assignment · Source on GitHub
Assignment workflow
- The instructor configures a course and its assignments, including template repositories and test rubrics.
- A student opens an assignment link, signs in with GitHub and confirms the required details. The service creates a private repository from the template and grants student and staff access.
- The student implements the assignment and runs the tests locally. Pushing changes triggers a GitHub Actions workflow that runs the tests and publishes feedback.
- The administration service downloads the feedback artifacts and stores the results. Instructors can list the latest results or inspect previous runs.
The example assignment illustrates this workflow using a quadratic-equation exercise.
Functionality
Courses and assignments are configured through files and command-line tools. The supplied feedback workflow uses Maven and JUnit. Optional Moodle LTI launches connect registration to an existing course.
| Available now | Planned |
|---|---|
| Registration and private assignment repositories | Automatic submission capture and source snapshots |
| Shared test feedback and artifact collection | An isolated runner with instructor-controlled tests |
| SQLite history and administrative CLI | Authoritative final grades and Moodle grade return |
Student workflow results provide feedback. Authoritative final grading requires an isolated instructor-controlled runner, which remains future work.
Implementation and setup
The service uses Java 17+, Maven, Spring MVC and SQLite. Assignment repositories keep their own builds and Git histories. GitHub provides sign-in, repository hosting and Actions; the administration service runs on the instructor's server.
The getting-started guide includes an offline example and instructions for configuring a live assignment. See also the project motivation and development notes.