Gamekins: Gamifying Software Testing in Jenkins

TL;DR

Gamekins is a gamified tool integrated into Jenkins that motivates developers to write better tests by using points, challenges, leaderboards, and rewards based on their testing activities.

Contribution

It introduces a novel gamification approach within Jenkins to enhance developer motivation for testing, combining game elements with continuous integration.

Findings

Increased test coverage among developers.

Enhanced motivation and engagement in testing activities.

Improved software quality through gamification.

Abstract

Developers have to write thorough tests for their software in order to find bugs and to prevent regressions. Writing tests, however, is not every developer's favourite occupation, and if a lack of motivation leads to a lack of tests, then this may have dire consequences, such as programs with poor quality or even project failures. This paper introduces Gamekins, a tool that uses gamification to motivate developers to write more and better tests. Gamekins is integrated into the Jenkins continuous integration platform where game elements are based on commits to the source code repository: Developers can earn points for completing test challenges and quests posed by Gamekins, compete with other developers or developer teams on a leaderboard, and are rewarded for their test-related achievements.