AI’s growing acceptance in development tools
The tide has turned for artificial intelligence in software development. Early concerns about job loss and ethical dilemmas are steadily fading, replaced by a pragmatic embrace of tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot. Developers are integrating it into their workflows at unprecedented rates.
ChatGPT has been explored by 73% of developers, with 56% now using it regularly for tasks like coding, debugging, and automating repetitive processes. GitHub Copilot has also made waves, tried by 42% of developers and regularly utilized by 29%. Nearly 60% of developers report reclaiming 1-4 hours per week thanks to AI assistance. The reasons are clear: 67% of users praise AI tools for eliminating time wasted on information searches, while 58% credit these tools for accelerating their coding speed.
Adoption at the organizational level, though, is less consistent. Around 29% of companies permit AI usage across all projects, while 26% impose selective restrictions, and 11% enforce outright bans. Disparity points to ongoing debates about control, security, and integration strategies. Still, the trajectory is clear: AI is changing how we code, and those who adapt quickly will see outsized returns.
Programming language trends
JavaScript remains the reigning champion of programming languages, used by 61% of developers worldwide. It’s foundational, irreplaceable even, but the ecosystem is changing. Languages like TypeScript and Rust are changing everything for developer satisfaction, safety, and efficiency.
TypeScript, JavaScript’s sophisticated sibling, has seen an explosive rise. From just 12% adoption in 2017 to 37% in 2024, it’s now a staple for developers seeking the clarity and reliability of static typing. It was made to augment JavaScript, offering tools to catch bugs earlier and make large-scale projects more manageable.
Rust, meanwhile, is carving a new path. Its strict safety and memory management features make it an ideal candidate for replacing legacy languages like C++. One in six Go developers is already planning to add Rust to their toolkit, signaling a strong demand for its ability to handle complex, concurrent systems with unparalleled reliability.
And then there’s Python. Its rise from 32% adoption in 2017 to 57% today is nothing short of remarkable. From machine learning to data science and web development, Python’s versatility makes sure of its continued dominance across industries.
Desktop development retains relevance
It’s easy to assume mobile is king, but desktop development remains a cornerstone of software creation. A full 38% of developers still target desktop platforms, outpacing the 32% who focus on mobile. Desktops are also holding their own in runtime environments: 58% of developers run code on browsers, but desktops come in a close second at 53%.
Why does desktop matter? Simply put, desktops offer the computing muscle and specialized tooling that mobile platforms can’t always match. For resource-intensive applications, such as engineering software or media editing tools, desktops remain indispensable.
Developer Experience (DevEx) as a strategic focus
Happy developers are productive developers. Companies are starting to get this, with nearly half of tech managers actively tracking metrics related to productivity and satisfaction. Sixteen percent have gone further, assembling dedicated teams to optimize the developer experience.
What drives a great DevEx? It’s about creating workflows that reduce friction and give clarity. Team leads are still the primary drivers of these efforts, responsible for 67% of productivity assessments. But platform engineering teams are stepping in to play a larger role, particularly in streamlining processes and addressing pain points.
Demographic insights
Salary disparities remain a stark reminder of the tech industry’s uneven playing field. U.S. developers top the charts with a median annual salary of $144,000, while peers in India and the Middle East report just $18,000, a dramatic gulf that reflects global economic imbalances. In gender terms, the picture isn’t much better: women hold just 31% of top-paid positions, highlighting the ongoing challenge of achieving pay equity.
As for how developers spend their time, the majority (46%) dedicate over 60% of their work hours to coding. Non-coding activities, like meetings and emails, consume a chunk as well, 33% report spending 10–20% of their time on these tasks. The frustration with unnecessary meetings is palpable, a clear signal that communication should be a top priority.
