Bug Battles: A Competition to Catch Bugs in Different Programming Languages

Software Engineers are typically expected to know multiple programming languages and technologies while continuing to learn as technology advances. Some students find new languages intimidating. We attempt to minimize student mindsets of intimidation when it comes to learning new programming languages while also strengthening their software testing skills through Bug Battles competition. Bug Battles is a team-based competition between students in a classroom to catch bugs in several problem sets that are written in different programming languages. In a study of 104 participants, results indicate that 93.26% of participants agree or strongly agree that Bug Battles competition improved their software testing skills and motivated them to learn new programming languages.