2026-07-23T19:13:08Z https://drops.dagstuhl.de/oai

oai:drops-oai.dagstuhl.de:24305 2025-12-12T15:04:35Z ddc:004 open_access

A Comparison of Three Program Query Languages to Detect Python Programming Misconceptions Colla, Quentin Mens, Kim Liénard, Julien Static Program Analysis Program Query Language Python Programming Programming Misconceptions Detecting and addressing common misconceptions in beginner programmers' code is key to improve their learning experience. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of three static program query languages and tools: Flake8, Regex and CodeQL, for identifying such misconceptions in Python code. We implemented a set of 20 common misconceptions using each language and compared them on a variety of criteria, including accuracy, performance, expressiveness, learning curve and query readability. Our analysis highlights strengths and limitations of each approach, providing insights into the most effective method for detecting programming misconceptions and enhancing feedback quality for learners. Schloss Dagstuhl – Leibniz-Zentrum für Informatik Quentin Colla and Kim Mens and Julien Liénard 2025 Is Part Of OASIcs, Volume 134, Companion Proceedings of the 9th International Conference on the Art, Science, and Engineering of Programming (Programming 2025) InProceedings Text doc-type:ResearchArticle publishedVersion application/pdf doi:10.4230/OASIcs.Programming.2025.21 urn:nbn:de:0030-drops-243052 https://drops.dagstuhl.de/entities/document/10.4230/OASIcs.Programming.2025.21 eng https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/legalcode