:index:`Machine Problems`
================================================================

Instructions for Machine Problems will be posted here.  Each MP will
be available to you one week before the date listed below.  MPs are
due by midnight Urbana time on the date listed below.

* MP1 (due 31-Jan): Naive Bayes
* MP2 (due 14-Feb): Neural Nets
* MP3 (due 7-Mar): Search
* MP4 (due 28-Mar): Hidden Markov Models
* MP5 (due 18-Apr): Two-Player Games
* MP6 (due 2-May): Reinforcement Learning

General MP Instructions
---------------------------

Each MP is distributed as a ZIP archive. In the ZIP archive, you will
find the following files:

* submitted file: there will be only one file you submit.  To find out
  what it's called, you have to read the instructions for each MP.
  For example, in MP1, it's called ``naive_bayes.py``.  This will
  contain several almost-empty methods, or blank lines, where you have
  to insert working code.
  
* ``mp?.py`` - this is an interactive user interface that uses `pygame
  <https://www.pygame.org/>`_ to help you debug the MP; you can run it
  by typing ``$ python mp?.py`` (replace the question mark by the MP
  number).  It doesn't need to work, but we hope that you will enjoy
  the MP more if you use it.  An example of how it should look, when
  everything works, will be linked from each MP's page.

* ``grade.py`` - this is the same code that the autograder runs.
  Before you submit to the autograder, please try running this on your
  own machine (``$ python grade.py``).  If it shows any errors, please
  fix them on your own machine before you try submitting to the
  autograder -- you will save a lot of time!  The autograder will run
  all of the same tests that are available to you, plus a few more
  hidden tests.

* ``requirements.txt`` lists the python packages that
  are used by the autograder.  You can install them by
  typing ``pip install -r requirements.txt``.

How to Submit
------------------

When you're ready to submit, go to `Gradescope
<https://www.gradescope.com/courses/348086>`_.

* Submit **only** the one file, ``submitted.py``.
  Any other files you submit will be ignored.

* You may submit as many times as you like.  By default, we willl
  count your last submission; if you want us to grade a submission
  other than your last one, please select it using the Gradescope user
  interface.

   
MP Grading Policy
-----------------------

Machine problems are graded by the autograder.

You are allowed to submit any MP late, with a penalty: your MP grade
will be multiplied by :math:`\max(0.5,1-t/28800)`, where :math:`t` is
the lateness of your submission, in minutes.  For example, if you're
late by one day, you can earn 95% credit; if you're late by any number
of days greater than 10, you can still earn up to 50% credit.

.. warning:: Warnings about the late penalty

   * Gradescope does not show you the late penalty.  If you want to
     know what your score *really* is, you need to check Gradescope's
     ``lateness`` field, and calculate your  late penalty yourself.
     
   * The late penalty is not waived for travel, trauma, interviews,
     religious holidays, or for any illness or injury that leaves you
     with the use of your hands.  It is not waived on account of
     computer crashes; please back up your work.