How the Autograder Works

Last updated - October 1, 2025

Each challenge and checkpoint has a specific output or set of requirements it is looking for. There are two types of autograders used in Skill Struck, requirement-based and input/output-based. Requirement-based activities have a list of requirements that must be met for a student to pass. Input/output-based activities look for a specific output.

Requirement-Based

The requirement-based autograder is the most commonly used autograder type. This autograder will have a list of requirements in the bottom left corner of the screen. Each requirement must be met in order for students to pass this type of activity. Requirement-based activities look for specific syntax to be used, so attention to detail is paramount for this autograder type. 

Input/Output-Based

The input/output-based autograder only looks for a specific output. The code used to get that output doesn't matter. This style allows students to think creatively and solve coding problems in a variety of ways. Since students aren't working from a checklist of requirements, they will need to apply problem solving skills to solve each problem and pass each activity. 

Autograder Tips

• Each challenge will include the autograder type at the top of every vcheckpoint and challenge.
• Challenges also include autograder tips that will help students align their code with the autograder for that challenge.
• Before starting an activity, read the full instructions to get an understanding of what the autograder is looking for.
• Remember that coding is specific. Make sure all code has correct spelling, syntax, and spacing.
• Just because code successfully runs in the terminal does not mean that it meets the requirements of the activity.
• When incorrect code is submitted, a hint will be provided. The hint will state a possible issue with the code, but may not state the exact problem.
• Check your code, double-check, and check again! If submitted code is not passing, look it over for bugs. A bug can be as small as a missing semi-colon, a misspelled word, or an extra letter typed where it shouldn't be.
• NOTE: When the instructions include red text, students must include this text in their code to pass.
  
  •  For example, if the instructions say, "include the word strawberry in a paragraph tag," the student's code should look something like this <p>strawberry</p>. Excluding the word strawberry would prevent this code from passing. 
  • Red words or phrases must be added in English regardless of the language used on the account.