Each year, the Stack Overflow Developer Survey provides a snapshot of what software developers are learning, using, and building, as well as their perspectives on technology changes and market shifts. The 2025 report is packed with insights from more than 49,000 respondents, many of whom are particularly relevant for new and aspiring software engineers.
Whether you’re considering a coding bootcamp or you’ve already started your coding journey, here’s what you need to know, including how Hack Reactor Coding Bootcamps line up with the survey results.
Python continues its rise, up 7%
Python grew by 7% in usage over the past year, according to the survey. Its growth is no surprise: Python is at the center of many exciting fields, including AI, data science, rapid prototyping, and, of course, software engineering.
JavaScript, HTML/CSS, and Python remain the most widely used languages overall, and Python is now also the most desired language that developers say they want to learn next. For new coders, learning Python is a smart investment.
In our Beginner Coding Bootcamp, we teach a unit on Python Foundations. By the end of the unit, you’ll be able to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding by:
- Writing code that instructs the computer to do practical tasks
- Reading and processing information from external sources
- Modeling the structure of real-world information and data in your Python program
- Laying the foundation for building powerful software that can solve challenges in the real world
You’ll also learn other languages, including JavaScript and HTML/CSS, integrating all into project work as you progress through the program.
How software engineers are learning to code in 2025
The path into tech looks a little different than it did a few years ago, and online resources are leading the way for new learners:
- 68% of developers rely on technical documentation
- Stack Overflow, YouTube, and GitHub are the most popular community-based learning tools
- 70% of new learners use YouTube for tutorials and walkthroughs
In our beginner coding bootcamps, we combine hands-on instruction and group projects with solo exploration. Our curriculum encourages students to build the skills and habits that real developers use. You’ll be led and taught by industry experts who keep you on track, guided by a project-based curriculum that prepares you for the job market.
AI use is widespread, but relying on teammates is still important to developers
This year’s survey confirms that AI tools are deeply embedded in modern development workflows. Over 80% of developers now use AI tools regularly, and 44% say they’ve used AI to learn a new language or technique in the past year (up from 37% in 2024).
But while adoption is rising, trust in AI is falling. Only 3.1% of respondents say they “highly trust” AI tools, while 29% say they “somewhat” trust them. This is down from 40% in prior years. And positive sentiment toward AI tools has also cooled, falling from 72% to 60%.
The main pain point, according to 45% of respondents, is that “AI solutions that are almost right, but not quite.” As a result, 66% say they’ve spent extra time debugging faulty AI-generated code.
Relatedly, the survey reinforces that when things get difficult, developers turn to each other; 75% say they’d rather ask another person for help than rely on uncertain AI output.
We’ve always believed that learning in a community that emulates a real-world development environment provides a positive, job-ready experience. At Hack Reactor, we teach students how to utilize AI tools, including how to trust, verify, and challenge these tools, while also emphasizing coding fundamentals, team-building, pair programming, and effective communication. Our students develop the real-world problem-solving and critical thinking skills they’ll need on the job.
Ready to start your journey?
Whether you’re brand new to tech or ready to take the next step, we’re here to help. Explore our Beginner Coding Bootcamps, and get your application started today!