cours/sources/Github copilot make coding assignments futile.md

link::https://www.sigarch.org/coping-with-copilot/ date::2022-08-20 author::Emery Berger

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What copilot can do

• generate code solutions from comments or even only function name
  • even complex codes like algorithme de Dijkstra, quicksort...
• Randomize code so every solution is not the same

What solutions are possible

• Change programming language : copilot knows even functionnal languages (everything that is on github)
  • teach in programming languages that don't exist
  • copilot is not very good for complex languages (such as haskell)
• Make exams on paper and pen
• Ask students to explain their code

What it means for assignments

• Giving simple assignments will be useless unless you require an explanation of the code
• Students will focus on more complex codes
• Students will get Repetitive Stress Injuries to the pinkies for pressing the Tab Key