Tracking Progress on Required Books

The assignment is about implementing a console-based book management system. The user can add, mark, and view books. The program should keep track of the number of pages for each completed book. A CSV file will be used to save the data. The program should have a menu-driven interface with options to list required books, list completed books, add new books, mark a book as completed, and quit. The program should also include error handling for invalid inputs.

CP1404/CP5632 2016 SP23/53 Assignment 1 –
Reading List 1.0
Task:
You are to plan and then code a console-based program in Python 3, as described in the following
information and sample output. This assignment will help you build skills using selection, repetition,
file input/output, exceptions, lists, functions and string formatting. Do not to define any of your own
classes. Assignment 2 will build on this program with more advanced code constructs including classes
and a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Work incrementally on this task: complete small parts of it at a
time rather than trying to get it all working at once. Some requirements have in-text references like [0]
that refer to the resources list near the bottom. Everything you need to know to complete this
assignment can be found in the subject materials.
Program Overview:
This program is a simple reading list that allows a user to track books they wish to read and books they
have completed reading. The program maintains a list of books in a file, and each book has:
 title, author, number of pages, whether it is required or completed (r or c)
Users can choose to see the list of required books or completed books, including a total of the number
of pages of the book list. The lists will be sorted by author then by number of pages (increasing). [1]
Users can add new books and mark books as completed.
They cannot change books from completed to required.
Program Functionality Details:
Ensure that your program has the following features, as demonstrated in the sample output below.
Your program should:
 display a welcome message with your name in it
 display a menu for the user to choose from [2]
 return to the menu after each action and loop until the user chooses to quit
 error-check user inputs as demonstrated in the sample output [3]
 load a CSV (Comma Separated Values) file of books (just once at the very start); a sample CSV
file is provided for you and you must use this format [4]
 when the user chooses list required: display a neatly formatted (lined up) list of all the required
books with their details and a total of the number of pages of these books [3]
 when the user chooses list completed: display a similarly formatted list of completed books
 when the user chooses add: prompt for the book’s title, author and number of pages,
error-checking each of these, then add the book to the list in memory (not to the file)
 when the user chooses mark completed: display the list of required books (same as for list),
then allow the user to choose one book (error-checked), then change that book to completed
o if no books are required, then a "No books" message should be displayed and the user
returned to the menu (this is the same if there are no completed books)
 when the user chooses quit: save the books to the CSV file, overwriting the file contents
Planning:
Write up the algorithms in pseudocode for the two functions: load books and complete a book.
Do this in a docstring (comment) directly above each of these functions.
At the very top of your code file, add a docstring containing your name, date, brief program details
and a link to your project on GitHub.
Follow the guide to good pseudocode and examples presented in the subject to ensure this is done to a
high standard. [5] You may show this part of the assignment to your tutor during practical time to get
comments or suggestions.
You may do pseudocode for more than these two functions, but it is not required.
CP1404/CP5632 SP2 Assignment 1 © 2016 – Information Technology @ James Cook University 1/7

Coding Requirements and Suggestions:
 Make use of named constants where appropriate.
 Use functions appropriately for each significant part of the program: this is the divide-and-
conquer problem-solving approach. Remember that functions should “do one thing”.
Look for situations where functions can be used to reduce code duplication (e.g. when you
display the required lists and when you mark a book as completed – this is very similar).
 For efficiency, you should only load the books file once. Store the results appropriately in a list
of lists and pass that to any functions that need access to it. Note: this variable should not be
global. The only global variables you may have are CONSTANTS.
 Note that the menu choice should handle uppercase and lowercase letters.
 Use exception handling where appropriate to deal with input errors (including entering numbers
and selecting books). You should be able to use generic, customisable functions to perform
input with error checking (e.g. getting the title and author can reuse the same function).
 Check the rubric carefully to see any other aspects of the coding that you will be assessed on.
Output Requirements:
Sample output from the program is provided below. Ensure that your program matches the sample
output including spaces, spelling, and especially the formatting of the book lists. Think of this as
helpful guidance as well as training you to pay attention to detail. The sample output is intended to
show the full range of situations including user input error handling.
Submission:
The assignment 'starter' will be provided to you via GitHub Classroom (see below). This will include
the books CSV file and a Python file called CP1404assignment1.py
Submit this Python 3 (.py) code file containing your comments and pseudocode by uploading it on
LearnJCU under Assessment (click on the title of the assignment).
Git/GitHub:
You must use Git version control and keep your project updated online in GitHub.
If you have not yet created a GitHub account, do this now as explained at
https://github.com/CP1404/Starter/wiki/Software-Setup#github
You must be easily identifiable from your GitHub username. Make sure you register for the student
discount so you get free private repositories: https://education.github.com/discount_requests/new
You are assessed on your use of version control including commits and commit messages, so commit
regularly (each logical chunk or milestone) and use meaningful commit messages in the imperative
voice. Your commits should show steady work completed over reasonable time, not all in a short
period.
Due:
Submit your assignment by the date and time specified on LearnJCU.
Submissions received after this date will incur late penalties as described in the subject outline.
Integrity:
The work you submit for this assignment must be your own. You are allowed to discuss the assignment
with other students and get assistance from your peers, but you may not do any part of anyone else’s
work for them and you may not get anyone else to do any part of your work. Note that this means you
should never give a copy of your work to anyone or accept a copy of anyone else’s work. Submissions
that are detected to be too similar to that of another student will be dealt with according to the College
procedures for handling plagiarism and may result in serious penalties.
If you require assistance with the assignment, please ask general questions on the discussion forum, or
get specific assistance with your own work by talking with your lecturer or tutor.
CP1404/CP5632 SP2 Assignment 1 © 2016 – Information Technology @ James Cook University 2/7

Sample Output:
The following sample run was made using a CSV file that contained:
The Practice of Computing Using Python,Punch and Enbody,792,r
The 360 Degree Leader,John Maxwell,369,r
In Search of Lost Time,Marcel Proust,365,c
Developing the Leader Within You,John Maxwell,225,r
Bold green text below shows user input for this sample.
Reading List 1.0 - by Lindsay Ward
4 books loaded from books.csv
Menu:
R - List required books
C - List completed books
A - Add new book
M - Mark a book as completed
Q - Quit
>>> r
Required books:
0. Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell 225 pages
1. The 360 Degree Leader by John Maxwell 369 pages
3. The Practice of Computing Using Python by Punch and Enbody 792 pages
Total pages for 3 books: 1386
Menu:
R - List required books
C - List completed books
A - Add new book
M - Mark a book as completed
Q - Quit
>>> c
Completed books:
2. In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust 365 pages
Total pages for 1 books: 365
Menu:
R - List required books
C - List completed books
A - Add new book
M - Mark a book as completed
Q - Quit
>>> m
Required books:
0. Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell 225 pages
1. The 360 Degree Leader by John Maxwell 369 pages
3. The Practice of Computing Using Python by Punch and Enbody 792 pages
Total pages for 3 books: 1386
Enter the number of a book to mark as completed
>>> one
Invalid input; enter a valid number
>>> 2
That book is already completed
Menu:
R - List required books
C - List completed books
A - Add new book
M - Mark a book as completed
Q - Quit
>>> m
Required books:
0. Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell 225 pages
1. The 360 Degree Leader by John Maxwell 369 pages
3. The Practice of Computing Using Python by Punch and Enbody 792 pages
Total pages for 3 books: 1386
Enter the number of a book to mark as completed
>>> 1
The 360 Degree Leader by John Maxwell marked as completed
Menu:
R - List required books
C - List completed books
A - Add new book
M - Mark a book as completed
CP1404/CP5632 SP2 Assignment 1 © 2016 – Information Technology @ James Cook University 3/7

Q - Quit
>>> u
Invalid menu choice
Menu:
R - List required books
C - List completed books
A - Add new book
M - Mark a book as completed
Q - Quit
>>> a
Title:
Input can not be blank
Title: Code Complete
Author:
Input can not be blank
Author: Steve McConnell
Pages: some
Invalid input; enter a valid number
Pages: -1
Number must be >= 0
Pages: 960
Code Complete by Steve McConnell, (960 pages) added to reading list
Menu:
R - List required books
C - List completed books
A - Add new book
M - Mark a book as completed
Q - Quit
>>> r
Required books:
0. Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell 225 pages
3. The Practice of Computing Using Python by Punch and Enbody 792 pages
4. Code Complete by Steve McConnell 960 pages
Total pages for 3 books: 1977
Menu:
R - List required books
C - List completed books
A - Add new book
M - Mark a book as completed
Q - Quit
>>> m
Required books:
0. Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell 225 pages
3. The Practice of Computing Using Python by Punch and Enbody 792 pages
4. Code Complete by Steve McConnell 960 pages
Total pages for 3 books: 1977
Enter the number of a book to mark as completed
>>> 0
Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell marked as completed
Menu:
R - List required books
C - List completed books
A - Add new book
M - Mark a book as completed
Q - Quit
>>> m
Required books:
3. The Practice of Computing Using Python by Punch and Enbody 792 pages
4. Code Complete by Steve McConnell 960 pages
Total pages for 2 books: 1752
Enter the number of a book to mark as completed
>>> 4
Code Complete by Steve McConnell marked as completed
Menu:
R - List required books
C - List completed books
A - Add new book
M - Mark a book as completed
Q - Quit
>>> m
Required books:
3. The Practice of Computing Using Python by Punch and Enbody 792 pages
Total pages for 1 books: 792
Enter the number of a book to mark as completed
>>> 3
CP1404/CP5632 SP2 Assignment 1 © 2016 – Information Technology @ James Cook University 4/7

The Practice of Computing Using Python by Punch and Enbody marked as completed
Menu:
R - List required books
C - List completed books
A - Add new book
M - Mark a book as completed
Q - Quit
>>> m
No required books
Menu:
R - List required books
C - List completed books
A - Add new book
M - Mark a book as completed
Q - Quit
>>> r
Required books:
No books
Menu:
R - List required books
C - List completed books
A - Add new book
M - Mark a book as completed
Q - Quit
>>> c
Completed books:
0. Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell 225 pages
1. The 360 Degree Leader by John Maxwell 369 pages
2. In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust 365 pages
3. The Practice of Computing Using Python by Punch and Enbody 792 pages
4. Code Complete by Steve McConnell 960 pages
Total pages for 5 books: 2711
Menu:
R - List required books
C - List completed books
A - Add new book
M - Mark a book as completed
Q - Quit
>>> q
5 books saved to books.csv
Have a nice day :)
At the end of this run, the saved CSV file contained:
Developing the Leader Within You,John Maxwell,225,c
The 360 Degree Leader,John Maxwell,369,c
In Search of Lost Time,Marcel Proust,365,c
The Practice of Computing Using Python,Punch and Enbody,792,c
Code Complete,Steve McConnell,960,c
References – Resources from Subject Materials:
Selected subject materials are referenced here to help you find guidance for specific parts of the
assignment (e.g. sorting a list by multiple values is covered in [1] and you will find a template for
writing menus for console programs in [2]). General references are not listed specifically but should be
obvious (e.g. file input/output is covered in the lecture and practical on files).
1. itemgetter from Chapter 7 - Lists and Tuples.
2. Practical 01 - PyCharm, Control.
3. Practical 02 - Strings, Files, Exceptions.
4. Chapter 5 - Files and Exceptions 1.
5. Guide to Good Pseudocode.
CP1404/CP5632 SP2 Assignment 1 © 2016 – Information Technology @ James Cook University 5/7

Marking Scheme:
Ensure that you follow the processes and guidelines taught in class in order to produce high quality work. Do not just focus on getting the program working.
This assessment rubric provides you with the characteristics of exemplary, good, competent, marginal and unacceptable work in relation to task criteria.
Criteria Exemplary (4) Good (3) Satisfactory (2) Limited (1) Very Limited (0)
Planning
Pseudocode for
algorithms
Clear, well-formatted, consistent
and accurate pseudocode that
completely and correctly solves the
problem, for two functions.
Exhibits aspects of exemplary
(left) and competent (right)
Some but not many problems (e.g.
an incomplete solution,
inconsistent use of terms,
inaccurate formatting, not for two
functions).
Exhibits aspects of competent (left)
and unacceptable (right)
Very many problems or
pseudocode not done.
Program Execution
Correctness
Worth double
Program works correctly for all
functionality required.
Program mostly works correctly for
most functionality, but there is/are
some required aspects missing or
that have problems.
Program works incorrectly for all
functionality required.
Error checking Invalid inputs are handled well
using exceptions and control logic
as instructed, for all user inputs.
Invalid inputs are mostly handled
correctly as instructed, but there
is/are some problem(s), e.g.
exceptions not well used.
Error checking is not done or is
very poorly attempted.
Similarity to sample
output (including all
formatting)
All outputs match sample output
perfectly, or only one minor
difference, e.g. wording, spacing.
Multiple differences (e.g. typos,
spacing, formatting) in program
output compared to sample output.
No reasonable attempt made to
match sample output. Very many
differences.
Quality of Code
Identifier naming
All function, variable and constant
names are appropriate, meaningful
and consistent.
Multiple function, variable or
constant names are not appropriate,
meaningful or consistent.
Many function, variable or constant
names are not appropriate,
meaningful or consistent.
Use of code
constructs
Appropriate and efficient code use,
including good logical choices for
data structures and loops, good use
of constants, etc.
Mostly appropriate code use but
with definite problems, e.g.
unnecessary code, poor choice of
data structures or loops, no use of
constants.
Many significant problems with
code use.
Use of functions Functions and parameters are
appropriately used, functions
reused to avoid code duplication.
Functions used but not well, e.g.
incorrect/missing parameters or
calls, unnecessary duplication or
main code outside main function.
No functions used or functions used
very poorly.
Formatting All formatting is appropriate,
including correct indentation,
horizontal spacing and consistent
vertical line spacing. PyCharm
shows no formatting warnings.
Multiple problems with formatting
reduces readability of code.
PyCharm shows formatting
warnings.
Readability is poor due to
formatting problems. PyCharm
shows many formatting warnings.
Commenting Helpful block/inline comments and
meaningful docstrings for all
functions, top docstring contains all
program details (name, date, basic
description, GitHub URL).
Comments contain some noise (too
many/unhelpful comments) or
some missing program details in
top docstring or some inappropriate
or missing block/inline comments.
Commenting is very poor either
through having too many comments
(noise) or too few comments.
Use of version control Git/GitHub used effectively and the
repository contains a good number
of commits with good messages
that demonstrate incremental code
development.
Aspects of the use of version
control are poor, e.g. not many
commits, or meaningless messages
that don’t represent valuable
incremental development.
Git/GitHub not used at all.
CP1404/CP5632 SP2 Assignment 1 © 2016 – Information Technology @ James Cook University 6/7

CP1404/CP5632 SP2 Assignment 1 © 2016 – Information Technology @ James Cook University 7/7