ProgPlay: The Gamification Learning Platform

Abstract

ProgPlay is a gamified web-based learning platform designed to make programming education engaging and accessible for beginners through interactive quizzes, experience points (XP), and competitive leader boards. The platform addresses common challenges faced by beginner programmers, such as overwhelming information and lack of motivation, by incorporating game mechanics inspired by SoloLearn and Duolingo to enhance user engagement and retention. Built using modern technologies including ReactJS for the frontend, Java Spring Boot for the backend, and MySQL for database management, ProgPlay offers structured learning paths for three popular programming languages (at the moment): C++, Python, and Java. The development process followed Agile Scrum methodology with comprehensive testing and deployment across multiple platforms including Render, Netlify, and FreeSQLDatabase. Key features include an adaptive levelling algorithm based on quadratic functions, progress tracking systems, and a competitive leader boards that fosters community engagement while maintaining individual learning goals. This thesis shows how gamification principles can transform traditional programming education into an interactive, motivating experience that improves learning outcomes for beginners.