OPS435: Assignment #1

HAND-IN REQUIREMENTS:

This assignment consists of 2 parts (stages). The following table displays the due date and a brief description of each of these stages:

Stage

Description

Due Date

1

Create a shell script that prompts a user for existing question and answer files (exit program if either of those files do not exist), otherwise, display questions, prompt the user for the answer, and indicate if user's answer is CORRECT or contains SOME ERRORS.

Monday June 7, 2010
@ 11:59:59 p.m.

2

Modify the existing shell script (created in stage 1) to incorporate dialog boxes using the Zenity command, and to use if / else statements to replace the && and || logical operators.

Wednesday June 23, 2010
@ 11:59:59 p.m.

OVERVIEW / REQUIREMENTS:

STAGE #1:

You have a friend whose child needs extra help in mathematics. Since that person loves to use the computer, you have decided to write a shell script called takeQuiz.bash that will display mathematical questions from a file, allow the individual to enter their answers, and to indicate if their answers are all CORRECT or if they have SOME ERRORS. ATTENTION: Immediately set permissions to only allow the owner of the newly-created file to view contents (eg. chmod 700 ~/takeQuiz.bash). If you don't, others may be able to guess and view the contents of your file, and this would be considered giving the answer to another student!

Your shell script works as a stand-alone command without arguments. When the shell script is run, the shell script will greet the user by their full name. Then the script will prompt the user for a questions file pathname and then for an answers file pathname. If either of these files do NOT exist, then the shell script with a false value (no messages given).

HINT: You can instruct the shell script to exit with a false value by issuing the exit command with a non-zero number as its argument. On the other hand, if both files exist, indicate they exit and proceed with the program.

The shell script will then display the questions from the valid questions file, and allow the user to enter the answer (with answered values separated by a single space). This answer needs to be compared to the answers file to see if identical or different. There are many methods to acheive this result, but try to use redirection and a method to compare files... If there are no differences, then indicate CORRECT, otherwise indicate SOME ERRORS. Refer to the Sample Runs for Stage #1 (displayed below)...

ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR STAGE 1:

Here are some other important notes or warnings:

SAMPLE RUNS (Commands or shell script name is in boldface. Assume current user's name is Murray Saul) 


cat nofile
cat: nofile: No such file or directory

cat questions.txt
1 x 4 =
3 + 7 =
4 / 2 =
5 - 9 =
1 + 1 =

cat answers.txt
4 10 2 -4 2

./takeQuiz.bash
Welcome to Take Quiz, Murray Saul!
Please enter questions file pathname: nofile 
# Note: Script exits since "nofile" file pathnames doesn't exist!

./takeQuiz.bash
Welcome to Take Quiz, Murray Saul!
Please enter questions file pathname: questions.txt
Questions file Exists
Please enter answers file pathname: nofile
# Note: Script exits since "nofile" file pathnames doesn't exist!

./takeQuiz.bash
Welcome to Take Quiz, Murray Saul!
Please enter questions file pathname: questions.txt
Questions file Exists
Please enter answers file pathname: answers.txt
Answers file Exists
Here are the questions:

1 x 4 =
3 + 7 =
4 / 2 =
5 - 9 =
1 + 1 =

Write each answer separated by a space

Answer Here -> 4 10 1 -4 2
SOME ERRORS, Please practice again

./takeQuiz.bash
Welcome to Take Quiz, Murray Saul!
Please enter questions file pathname: questions.txt
Questions file Exists
Please enter answers file pathname: answers.txt
Answers file Exists
Here are the questions:

1 x 4 =
3 + 7 =
4 / 2 =
5 - 9 =
1 + 1 =

Write each answer separated by a space

Answer Here -> 4 10 2 -4 2
CORRECT

STAGE #2:

You are going to make your shell script more "user-friendly" by using the Zenity command. This command allows you to create dialog boxes to display, or obtain information from a user. Think of the zenity command as a replacement for your echo and read statements.

Refer to this link for examples how the Zenity command works: [ How to Use Zenity ]

Also, you can use the man pages to learn how the zenity command works.

You MUST replace && and || logical operators with if / else statements.

ADDITIONAL NOTES FOR STAGE 2:

Here are some other important notes ,suggestions, or warnings:

    Make certain to make corrections to your assignment #1 - Stage 1 from your instructor evalation report; otherwise, you will contine to lose marks for your Stage 2 portion of assignment #1...

  • Command substitution is a helpful tool when using the zenity command to obtain user information (enough said!)

  • You must use if / else statements and NOT use &&, or || logical operators in this assignment #1 stage 2 submission. Failure to comply will result in loss of marks for this assignment.

  • Your shell script is to work in any subdirectory; therefore, do not use the home pathname (~) when accessing the input file pathnames...

  • Make certain to use descriptive variables names so others will be able to easily read your shell script.

  • Make certain to include an appropriate number of comments to make it easier for others to understand how your shell script works.

  • You MUST use the Zenity command for assignment #1 stage2.

  • Make certain that the output appears EXACTLY as the sample run output.

    Do not try to "show-off" for me... Pretend that I'm the customer, and I want exactly what I ordered. Using different text for output will result in a loss of marks...

WARNING:

Since the "Zenity" command produces a dialog box, you CANNOT run this command remotely connected from home!

Therefore, there are 2 approaches to working on this assignment:

  • Complete your assignment while at Seneca College labs (Logged into Matrix - GUI).
    This means you should complete your assignment as soon as possible!

  • Complete your assignment on a version of Linux on your desktop or notebook computer. You will need to make certain the "Zenity" command is installed on your system. When completed, you will need to sftp your script to your Matrix account for testing, and then submittal to your instructor. This means you need to complete and submit your assignment in advance!

SAMPLE RUNS FOR STAGE 2:

Here is a YouTube video to show you how this shell script will work:
(You can also view full screen, pause and play (replay) these Youtube videos)...

ASSIGNMENT SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:

You MUST submit your assignment from your Matrix account (no exceptions). You MUST run the programs below to submit your assignment stages (no exceptions). The following table displays which commands to run for submitted stage1 and stage2 (when available).

STAGE

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS

SUBMISSION PROGRAM PATHNAME (in Matrix)

STAGE #1

html

/home/murray.saul/ops435/435-a1-s1-submit

STAGE #2

html

/home/murray.saul/ops435/435-a1-s2-submit


GRADING

  1. Shell scripts are to be submitted from your Matrix account from the submission scripts displayed above – no exceptions.

  2. If you do not submit your script on time, there will be a 10% penalty.

  3. Late assignments will carry a penalty of 10% per day. Since assignment is submitted electronically: weekends count!.

  4. If your script is not functional when tested, or produces too many incorrect answers, it will receive a mark of zero and must be resubmitted with in 7 days.
    Once resubmitted, such assignments can receive a maximum of 55%.

  5. Every assignment will be checked for plagiarism. If any copying is discovered, both students will receive a mark of zero and a "Dishonesty Report" will be entered in both student's files. Students that have been caught sharing materials with other students or placing themselves in situations where student can access their work will receive a "Warning" and this warning will be entered in the student's file.

Good Luck :)