Stack Overflow’s annual Developer Survey includes responses from tens of thousands of software developers. They were asked about the tools and programming languages they use most, how AI is impacting their jobs or learning processes, and much more.
We encourage everyone to dig deep into the findings, which are interesting across the board. For this post, we’ll focus on two areas of the survey: Python use (especially amongst beginners and those learning to code), and the use of AI tools in software engineering.
Python: A popular language for learners
The survey results can be filtered down to the following categories: all respondents, professional developers, those learning to code, and “other coders.”
Stack Overflow added the “learning to code” section three years ago, and each year, Python has been near the top of the list of most popular languages among learners. This year, it moved into the top spot.
But it’s not only popular with beginners. Python consistently ranks in the top 4 most popular languages for all developers, including consistent use among professional developers. The exact survey question is as follows: Which programming, scripting, and markup languages have you done extensive development work in over the past year, and which do you want to work in over the next year?
According to the last three surveys, here’s how often developers in various stages of their careers use Python for what’s considered extensive work:
So why is Python so popular for beginners?
As you can see in the chart above, Python jumped from 3rd to 1st most popular among learners over the past year. In large part, Python is popular with this crowd because it’s user-friendly and can be used in a variety of ways. It doesn’t require complex syntax but uses natural language as its base. It’s designed so learners and anyone else using Python can write clear code that’s easy to keep track of, debug, and share with others.
Additionally, Python is an open-source language, and its ecosystem is massive. New and experienced coders can use existing Python libraries and frameworks to learn, start new projects, and collaborate with others. Because it’s such a foundational language encouraging clean code and collaboration, many employers look for Python skills when hiring new engineers.
We teach Python in our Beginner Coding Bootcamp because we know it’s a great language for learning, as well as for professional development and hire-ability. Read more about the programming languages we teach in our coding bootcamps.
What the survey says about AI (& how we teach it in the bootcamp)
The Stack Overflow survey also covers AI use among developers. Results show that “76% of all respondents are using or are planning to use AI tools in their development process this year, an increase from last year (70%).”
In our coding bootcamps, we first teach students the vital foundations of coding, then we introduce AI tools that can help them continue to learn and boost their productivity in the bootcamp and as they launch new careers.
We teach the effective and responsible use of AI tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot, the top two most-used AI tools among developers, according to the survey. This year, ChatGPT came in first, followed by GitHub Copilot. Among those who put ChatGPT as their most-used AI tool, 41% say they want to use GitHub Copilot within the next year.
By training students how to use these tools, we’re preparing graduates for long-lasting coding and software engineering careers.
Ready to start learning?
Find out what you’ll learn during our Beginner Coding Bootcamp, which covers Python, AI tools for software development, and so much more. If you’re ready, get your application started today!