Final Project

The goal of the final project is to demonstrate your knowledge of UNIX tools. This is an open-ended assignment, so your grade will be determined based on the two key factors: how ambitious the project you choose is, and how well the project works.

In assignments 3 and 4, we put together a web-based system that can be used to create user accounts and store data with the users. For the final project, we will adapt this this into a web-based application. There are a wide variety of applications we could build (see below if you have your own ideas), but one that we have to suggest is the following:

Similar to Craig's List, we can make a system where users can list and browse items for sale. Some specifics about this system:

• Users should be able to add a new listing for an item, including information about the price, category, location and offer date.
• The owner of an item should be able to change the listing or delist it (other users should have no such access)
• Users should be able to browse all the items for sale (from all users) by category. Users should also be able to restrict browsing with price ranges and location information.
• A user browsing should be able to contact the seller about an item via a web form. Submitting the form will email the owner of an item (this is better than direct email as a seller does not have to publicize their email).

• Allow images to be uploaded along with item descriptions
• Implement an administrative interface for a special "super user" that can be used to change postings
• Show aggregate statistics
• Allow users who browse items to post public comments about an item.
• Search capability that also looks through item descriptions.
• Ability to monitor an item and receive email when your item is viewed.
• Bulk-entering of items: a user can submit a CSV file with a list of items, and they will all be posted appropriately.
• Auction capability

There are bound to be lots of questions. To address the major ones:

1. How do I know if I've done an acceptable project?

   I expect the size of this project to be about 1.5 times the size of a homework. It should take you between 2 and 3 weeks. If you want feedback about an idea, you can submit it to one of the TAs (be as specific as possible). Or even better, come by my office hours before class on a Wednesday.

2. Can I do a group project?

   Although group projects are often a logistical nightmare, you can work in groups provided: (1) You do a project that is n times bigger if you have n people; and (2) Each person in the group accepts that their grade on the project will be affected either positively or negatively by the other group members.

3. Can I write the project on my home computer?

   You may develop the project anywhere you want, but we require the projects to run on the NYU CS Department machines.

4. Can I use third-party software packages?

   You may only if: (1) They work on department machines, and (2) They are freely available.

5. This project sounds stupid.

   That's not really a question. But you are welcome to pick your own project. If you want to do so, mail one of us to check if it's acceptable.

Documentation

Submission