Hey everyone! I'm diving into some more challenging homework for class, and I've got a couple of options for how to handle it with GitHub. I want to make sure I approach this the right way. Here's what I'm considering:
1. Tinkering and customizing the project a bit so it feels more original, though I know that carries risks.
2. Creating a private repository, but that seems less ideal for someone hoping to be in the programming game long-term.
3. Just avoiding putting my homework on GitHub altogether since it might not be worth it.
I totally get the importance of steering clear of directly uploading homework. But if I make some changes and the numbers don't match up, is there really a risk of being flagged for plagiarism? I'm a strong advocate for documenting everything I do, from 'Hello World' to more complex projects, since that's part of the learning process.
I'd love to hear what you all think! Is this a path I should pursue or drop altogether? Thanks for your insights!
2 Answers
I get where you're coming from! Back in my uni days, we were definitely warned about the risks of having our homework show up on GitHub. Even if you're not trying to enable cheating, having assignments out there could lead to serious consequences, like getting expelled. I recommend keeping your school projects in private repos that only you and your professors can see. Trust me, knowing Git and GitHub will pay off when you enter the workforce! Just a heads up, though—I've heard that GitHub uses private repos for training features like Copilot, so there's that to consider too. When in doubt, definitely check with your department head for the best advice.
That's a solid question! Many students upload their coursework, but framing matters a lot. If you keep your projects as straightforward assignments, you'll run into plagiarism issues. But if you add features or modify the projects significantly, it usually looks more like personal work. Going for private repos is definitely a smart move if you’re unsure about anything. I say go ahead and keep everything, even the simpler stuff like 'Hello World,' but showcase the projects where you really added your own touch. Your GitHub should demonstrate your growth!
Exactly what I needed to hear! My plan is to change some details and use private repos to build on my assignments further.
Thanks! I've started making everything private, even personal projects. I think I'll stick to customizing all the work I upload to avoid any issues. Nobody wants to accidentally expose any sensitive stuff!