Project Description

CS 225 POTDs are intended to be fun code snippets which present additional practice opportunities or extensions to core content seen in the main class. This semester we are offering a limited opportunity for additional extra credit points through the design and implementation of a brand new POTD. Students can earn a maximum of 6 EC points for the successful completion of a new POTD.

Step 1: POTD Proposal (Due by April 7th, 2026)

As the first step in the process, you will need to fill out a two-page form describing your POTD idea at a high level. The information we will ask includes:

• What major topic best describes your POTD?
• A summary of the problem you are asking students to solve, including details on the specific data structures or algorithm being assessed.
• An implementation summary (equivalent to a header file comment block) for each function you are asking students to implement.
• An implementation summary (equivalent to a header file comment block) for the skeleton code or existing infrastructure you are providing.
• A list of sources or tools you used or plan to use to implement the POTD.

You can submit your POTD proposal using the following link through the end of the day on April 7th: POTD PROPOSAL

Successful completion of this step is worth 1 point of EC for coming up with a good POTD idea.

NOTE: We will only be accepting problems of the day which are distinct from our existing problem set. Be sure to take a look at this list of existing POTDs prior to submitting your proposal. Existing POTD List

Step 2: Implement your POTD (Due two weeks after approval)

Once you are approved you will be given access to a Prairielearn workspace which contains template code for a POTD. You must replace or modify all template files for your specific POTD. This includes:

• main.cpp (provide a simple driver code to test your program)
• potd.cpp (provide a solution to your POTD)
• potd.h (provide declarations / documentation)
• test.cpp (provide 4-6 testcases to test your POTD)
• question.html (provide a formal description of your POTD in html – note markdown blocks are allowed inside the html!)
• sources.txt (cite your sources here)

Be sure to test your code thoroughly in the workspace to make sure it works as intended! When you are ready to submit, be sure to ‘save’ your workspace as though you were submitting an exam question and additionally raise a Prairielearn Issue stating you have implemented your POTD.

Successful implementation of your proposed POTD is worth 5 points of EC.

NOTE: As each POTD will be manually evaluated and we have limited course staff, to avoid overwhelming our staff you will have a fixed window to submit your POTD after receiving approval. If you cannot complete your POTD in that window, notify staff immediately.

Step 3: Correcting Minor Issues (Flexible deadline based on staff availability)

Once you have submitted, a member of course staff will look at your submission and give feedback on your submission. Depending on the severity of issues with your submission, you may be offered a single opportunity to resubmit with corrections. Successful completion on the second attempt is also worth the full 5 points however you are not guaranteed a second submission attempt.