Semiautomatic testing of student software under Unix(R)

A method is described for creating a secure hierarchical group environment in Unix(R) where faculty have free access to student files but in which students have no access either to faculty files or other students´ files. The environment is employed to implement a semiautomatic testing system for student software. Testing is used both for grading and for hands-on help for students. The tests generate a permanent, time-stamped record of the results. Samples are provided of a typical programming assignment, a testing script in Perl, and samples of the record for compliant and noncompliant programs