A system for classifying and clarifying Python syntax errors for educational purposes

Many students learning Python frequently encounter syntax errors but have difficulty understanding the error messages and correcting their code. In this thesis, we designed, implemented, and performed preliminary testing of a system for classification of syntax errors commonly made by beginning coders. Errors are classified by constructing a partial syntax tree and analyzing the node containing the error with respect to its surrounding nodes. The system aims to use the classified errors to provide more precise and instructive error messages to aid students in the debugging process.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2018

Author dc:creator

• Kelley, Anne K., M. Eng. Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Adam Hartz.

• Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Statement dc:rights

• MIT theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed, downloaded, or printed from this source but further reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/119750

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/119750