Since this is a self-paced course based entirely on programming assignments, in principle, work turned in for credit should be the student's own. Naturally, students can and probably will consult with each other on occasion concerning the best way to program a solution to a problem. This is permissible. However, if there is conclusive evidence that a student has simply copied a substantial portion of the code written by another, the teacher reserves the right to reduce the score on the assignment, potentially to zero.
Copying can be from a book, another student, or any other person.
Also, it is immaterial whether the copying was permitted by the other person or done by stealth. In other words, to the extent that it's possible for the teacher to control, grades will ultimately depend on the programming skills of individuals, as evidenced by code which they have substantially written themselves. There will be no tests. Grades will be based on 8 programming assignments, each of 25 points value, for a total of 200 points in the course. Individual assignments will not receive letter grades.