Introduction
When preparing for the IB Computer Science IA, many students ask: “How many lines of code do I need for a good grade?” The truth is, the IB does not grade your IA based on a line count. Some students write 200 lines of code and score a 7, while others write 1,000 lines and still fall short.
What examiners really care about is whether your code demonstrates appropriate complexity, problem-solving, and alignment with the client’s needs. In this article, we’ll clarify how much code is enough, what “complexity” means in IB terms, and how RevisionDojo helps you strike the right balance.
Quick Start Checklist
- ❌ There is no minimum or maximum line count requirement.
- ✅ Focus on quality, not quantity of code.
- ✅ Demonstrate algorithmic thinking and data handling.
- ✅ Include annotated code snippets in your documentation.
- ✅ Ensure your project scope is manageable yet meaningful.
What Examiners Actually Look For
Instead of counting lines of code, examiners focus on:
- Problem-solving – Does your code clearly solve the client’s problem?
- Complexity – Are there algorithms, data structures, or features beyond simple input-output?
- Clarity – Is your code readable and documented?
- Integration – Do features connect logically, rather than looking like random add-ons?
Examples of Code Complexity
You don’t need thousands of lines of code — you need the right features. For example:
- A quiz generator with randomization, scoring, and report features (200–300 lines).
- An inventory management system with search, sorting, and reporting (300–500 lines).
- A scheduling tool with conflict detection and notifications (400–600 lines).
Each of these is manageable yet shows more than basic coding.
Common Mistakes Students Make
- Measuring success by line count – Long code isn’t always good code. Examiners prefer concise, efficient solutions.
- Copy-pasting libraries – Using external code without understanding or explaining it weakens your development marks.
- Overcomplicating projects – Writing more code than necessary wastes time and makes documentation harder.
How RevisionDojo Helps
RevisionDojo helps you focus on the rubric, not raw code size. Our IA guides show you examples of strong projects with different complexity levels, annotated code snippets, and structured documentation. This way, you can build a project that’s the right size for the IA — not bloated or underwhelming.
FAQs
Q: Is 200 lines of code too little for the IA?
Not if your project demonstrates meaningful problem-solving and complexity. Some high-scoring projects are under 300 lines but are well-documented and client-focused.
Q: Should I aim for a specific range, like 400–600 lines?
That’s a common range for solid IA projects, but it’s not a rule. Quality, clarity, and rubric alignment matter far more.
Q: Can I use libraries to shorten my code?
Yes, but only if you explain how they work and why you used them. Relying entirely on libraries without understanding the logic can cost marks.
Conclusion
There is no required line count for the IB Computer Science IA. Instead, focus on building a solution with the right level of complexity, documentation, and client alignment. A project with 300 well-structured lines of code can score higher than a messy 1,000-line program.
With RevisionDojo’s IA guides and code annotation examples, you’ll know exactly how much coding is “enough” — and how to present it for maximum marks.
