Programming is a key skill in technology-related degrees, particularly in computer science programs. Learning to program involves not only understanding the syntax and rules of a language but also developing a logical and creative approach to problem-solving. Consistent practice is essential to reinforce these concepts and skills. Quick feedback on errors made during tasks is crucial for improvement, as it helps students identify mistakes, learn from them, and apply correct solutions in future exercises. However, manually grading programming exercises is a labor-intensive and time-consuming task, especially in courses with large student numbers. This presents a challenge for instructors, particularly in continuous assessment systems where timely feedback is essential. To address this issue, this work introduces the application of an existing tool, Virtual Programming Lab (VPL), for the automatic grading of programming assignments. The proposed solution has been successfully implemented in introductory programming courses, both in Java and Python, providing immediate feedback and significantly reducing grading workload. This has led to highly satisfactory results, enhancing both the learning process for students and the efficiency of instructors.

Keywords: Engineering education, grading programming exercises, automatic grading, VPL.