Event Scheduler

Full-stack platform to schedule mock DECA conferences.

GitHub Repository

Overview

Event Scheduler is a tool built in Go that automatically generates schedules for mock DECA conferences. It handles the complex task of assigning students to events, judges to assignments, rooms to judgments, and exam times to students—all while avoiding conflicts.

Tech Stack

  • Language: Go (98.6%)
  • Build System: Makefile
  • Data Format: Protocol Buffers for data serialization
  • Output: CSV files

How It Works

The scheduling algorithm uses a bottom-up approach that prioritizes flexibility and minimizes student conflicts. Here’s the step-by-step process:

Step 1: Gather Inputs

The system needs:

  • Time parameters: Starting time and time slot duration
  • Constraints: Maximum group size and exam length
  • Resources: List of students, judges, events, and available rooms
  • Requests: Which students want to participate in which events

Step 2: Process Enrollment Requests

All student enrollment requests are converted into formal assignments.

Step 3: Sort Judges by Availability

Judges are sorted from least to greatest based on their event restrictions. This preserves judges with broader availability for more complex scheduling needs.

Step 4: Prioritize Large Groups

Larger groups are processed first (greatest to least by group size). This reduces scheduling conflicts since large groups have fewer available time slots.

Step 5: Match Assignments to Time Slots

For each request, the algorithm:

  1. Identifies time slots already occupied by overlapping groups
  2. Places the request in an available, non-adjacent slot
  3. Ensures no conflicts across all judges’ schedules

Step 6: Schedule Exams

The system finds consecutive free time blocks that match the required exam duration and assigns students accordingly.

Step 7: Allocate Rooms

Judges are distributed across rooms while matching event type compatibility.

If any requests cannot be assigned, the system alerts the user.

File Structure

Event-Scheduler/
├── cmd/              # Command-line applications
│   └── real/         # Main executable
├── components/       # Reusable modules
├── scheduler/        # Core scheduling logic
├── proto/            # Protocol buffer definitions
├── tests/            # Test suite
├── docs/             # Documentation
│   ├── conventions.md    # Coding standards
│   └── scheduling.md     # Algorithm explanation
├── output/           # Generated CSV files
├── go.mod            # Go dependencies
├── go.sum            # Dependency checksums
├── goreleaser.yml    # Release configuration
└── makefile          # Build automation

Getting Started

Prerequisites

  • Go installed on your system

Running the Scheduler

  1. Navigate to the command directory:

    cd cmd/real

  2. Build and run:

    go build && ./real

  3. Open the generated output.csv in a spreadsheet application (Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice)

Output

The scheduler generates an output.csv file containing:

  • Student event assignments
  • Judge schedules
  • Room allocations
  • Exam times

This file can be directly imported into spreadsheet software for viewing and further customization.