Explore the rise of Python in open source, its impact on programming trends, and the evolution of developer hiring practices.
Python is now the most popular programming language on GitHub, surpassing JavaScript in 2024. Open source contributions and the rise of AI and data science have driven this shift, with Python dominating fields like machine learning, web development, and data analysis.
Key highlights:
- 5.2 billion contributions were made to open source projects in 2024.
- Python's market share grew by 8.72% year-over-year, reaching 23.88%.
- AI-related projects saw a 98% increase, with Python leading the charge.
- JavaScript remains essential for web development, while C++, Java, and Rust hold strong in their niches.
- Emerging languages like Go and Rust are gaining traction, especially in cloud and systems programming.
The shift from older languages like PHP and Objective-C to modern alternatives is fueled by a preference for better performance, memory safety, and productivity. Open source communities continue to shape these trends, influencing both technology and hiring practices.
Takeaway: Python leads in AI and data science, while JavaScript dominates web development. Open source contributions remain a key driver of programming language evolution.
The Past, Present & Future of Programming Languages • Kevlin Henney • GOTO 2024
Most Popular Programming Languages in Open Source for 2025
By 2025, the open source world experienced a major shift in programming language popularity. Python has officially overtaken JavaScript as the most used language on GitHub, ending JavaScript's decade-long dominance. This change is deeply connected to Python's pivotal role in artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, two fields that are fundamentally transforming software development.
According to the latest TIOBE Index, Python now commands a 23.88% market share, marking an impressive 8.72% year-over-year growth. This surge is largely driven by the explosive rise of AI and machine learning projects.
"Python becomes the most used language on GitHub, outperforming JavaScript after a decade of leadership. The substantial growth of generative AI and data science primarily fuels the demand for Python." – GitHub
Let’s take a closer look at how each of the top languages is being used and where they stand in the market.
Top Languages and Their Applications
Python stands out for its unmatched versatility. It's a go-to language for AI, machine learning, data analysis, web development, and scientific computing. Tech giants are pouring resources into Python-based AI projects, which has further solidified its position in the open source community.
JavaScript, though no longer at the top, remains indispensable in web development. In 2024, 62.3% of developers reported using JavaScript, and it continues to dominate in code contributions. React, the most widely used JavaScript framework, is favored by 39.5% of web developers, highlighting its ongoing relevance in building modern web applications.
Java, with a 10.66% market share and a modest 1.79% year-over-year growth, maintains its stronghold in enterprise environments. Trusted for decades, it remains a top choice for enterprise software, Android apps, and large-scale systems.
C++ continues to play a critical role in systems programming and game development. It secured the second spot in the 2025 TIOBE Index with an 11.37% market share, showing a slight 0.84% growth from the previous year.
Emerging languages are also making waves in open source. Go has climbed from the 11th spot in January 2024 to 7th in January 2025, now accounting for over 12% of GitHub projects. Rust, admired by 83% of developers, is used in 3% of GitHub repositories, while TypeScript has emerged as the second fastest-growing language, driven by its increasing adoption among GitHub contributors.
Language Comparison Chart
Here’s a snapshot of how the leading programming languages compare in terms of market share, trends, and demand:
| Language | Market Share | YoY Change | Key Domain | Recruiter Demand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Python | 23.88% | +8.72% | AI/ML, Data Science, Web Development | 45.7% |
| C++ | 11.37% | +0.84% | Systems Programming, Game Development | N/A |
| Java | 10.66% | +1.79% | Enterprise Applications, Android Dev | 39.5% |
| C | 9.84% | -1.14% | System Programming, Embedded Systems | N/A |
| C# | 4.12% | -3.41% | Software Development, Enterprise | N/A |
| JavaScript | 3.78% | +0.61% | Web Development, Full-stack Apps | 41.5% |
| SQL | 2.87% | +1.04% | Database Management, Data Analysis | N/A |
The data reveals a clear trend: programming languages that cater to AI, cloud computing, and modern web development are gaining traction. Python's rise, coupled with JavaScript's enduring influence, underscores the growing demand for tools that enable rapid development and align with modern computing needs. These shifts are not only shaping how developers contribute to open source but also redefining the technology stacks companies rely on to stay competitive.
The Move from Older to Newer Programming Languages
The programming world is undergoing a noticeable transformation as developers increasingly shift from older languages to newer ones. This change isn’t just about chasing trends - it’s about achieving better performance, stronger security, and a smoother development experience.
Languages like PHP, Objective-C, and Perl are seeing a drop in usage as developers opt for more efficient alternatives. This trend is backed by data showing declining reliance on legacy languages and a growing preference for modern ones across various industries.
Why Developers Switch Languages
The decision to switch programming languages is often rooted in solving practical challenges. Modern languages address long-standing issues, particularly in areas like memory safety. For instance, Rust offers built-in memory safety features that significantly reduce bugs and security risks compared to older languages like C and C++.
Another major factor is productivity. Languages such as Python and C# simplify the developer’s workflow by providing high levels of abstraction and automatic memory management. This allows programmers to concentrate on problem-solving rather than dealing with low-level system intricacies. On top of that, modern languages often come with advanced tools - like robust package managers, integrated development environments (IDEs), and testing frameworks - that streamline the coding process.
While older languages like C are known for their raw performance, newer languages strike a balance between speed and developer efficiency, making them more appealing for many projects.
Old vs. New Language Activity Comparison
The shift to modern languages is evident in measurable activity changes. Take web development, for example: while PHP still powers 75.6% of websites in 2024, it’s increasingly being replaced by Node.js, Python, and frameworks like Next.js. Python’s popularity in this space stems from its clean syntax, extensive library support, and strong foothold in fields like data science and AI. Although this evolution is gradual, the movement toward modern tools is clear, especially for new projects.
In mobile development, Objective-C has largely given way to Swift. Swift’s focus on better performance and safety has made it the go-to language for iOS development, with most projects now adopting it exclusively.
In enterprise and systems programming, Kotlin has gained popularity over Java for Android apps, while Rust is becoming a preferred choice in systems programming - a space traditionally dominated by C and C++. These trends align with the broader open-source movement, where collaboration drives innovation and shapes language evolution.
The rise of cross-platform development tools is also accelerating this transition. Statista reported that, by 2023, 42% of developers were using cross-platform solutions, reflecting the demand for languages that work seamlessly across multiple environments.
Additionally, the growth of microservices - adopted by 78% of enterprises for greater agility - has created a need for modern languages that excel in distributed, cloud-based systems.
Emerging technologies like WebAssembly (WASM) are further changing the game by enabling near-native performance in web browsers. This opens the door for languages like C, C++, and Rust to be used in complex web applications. Such advancements, often fueled by open-source contributions, underline the growing preference for versatile, modern programming solutions.
Global collaboration in open-source projects continues to drive the adoption of these newer languages while enhancing their quality and reliability.
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How Open Source Communities Shape Language Adoption
Open source communities play a pivotal role in shaping programming language adoption and influencing talent demand. These communities create libraries, frameworks, and tools that make programming languages more accessible and practical for developers. When a language boasts a thriving open source ecosystem, it attracts developers by offering reliable and well-maintained resources essential for building real-world applications.
The collaborative nature of open source brings together diverse expertise, sparking advancements that closed systems often cannot achieve. For instance, open source projects not only enhance innovation but also improve code quality - lowering defect rates by 30% - while increasing developer proficiency by 23%. This elevated quality and skill level create a virtuous cycle, strengthening the ecosystem of a language. To see how this works in action, let's explore some key projects that have significantly influenced language growth.
Major Community Projects That Drive Language Growth
Certain open source projects have been instrumental in driving the adoption of specific programming languages by drawing in large developer communities.
Take React, for example. This JavaScript library, developed by Facebook, revolutionized web development by offering reusable UI components and optimizing performance through reduced DOM manipulations. Its popularity has cemented JavaScript's position as a cornerstone of modern web development.
Another standout is TensorFlow, Google’s machine learning framework. TensorFlow has propelled Python to the forefront of artificial intelligence (AI) and data science by providing robust tools for deep learning and natural language processing. Python’s dominance in these fields has even led it to surpass JavaScript as the most used programming language in 2024.
The Python ecosystem continues to flourish with projects like LangChain and CrewAI. LangChain simplifies the creation of applications powered by large language models, enabling advanced AI chatbots and agents. CrewAI, on the other hand, provides a Python-based environment for managing autonomous AI agents that collaborate to solve complex problems.
Another notable project is Supabase, an open source backend-as-a-service platform. Supabase offers tools like real-time databases and authentication services, providing developers with a transparent and flexible alternative to Firebase.
Corporate-backed open source initiatives also play a significant role. For example, Microsoft’s AutoGen supports the development of multi-agent systems, allowing for conversational agents that streamline problem-solving and automate workflows. These projects demonstrate how open source efforts, whether community-driven or supported by corporations, fuel language adoption and innovation.
How Open Source Trends Affect Tech Hiring
Open source communities don’t just drive technical progress - they also reshape the job market. Contributions to open source projects are increasingly seen as valuable experience by employers. In fact, 92% of hiring managers consider open source participation a strong asset. Companies often adjust their hiring criteria based on the popularity of languages in the open source world, as thriving ecosystems signal both long-term viability and a pool of skilled talent.
The numbers speak for themselves: 70% of employers now prefer candidates with experience in collaborative coding environments. Additionally, over 80% of developers report improving their skills through open source contributions, and nearly 60% have landed job opportunities as a direct result. These trends highlight how open source involvement not only sharpens technical abilities but also helps developers build professional networks that can lead to career advancement.
"OSS systems are built by potentially large numbers (i.e., hundreds or even thousands) of volunteers. It is worth noting, however, that currently a number of OSS projects are supported by companies and some participants are not volunteers."
- Audris Mockus et al.
This corporate backing creates a feedback loop: companies invest in the languages and tools that align with their hiring needs, further boosting adoption and solidifying their presence in the tech job market.
Using Language Trends for Developer Marketing
By analyzing language usage trends, businesses can fine-tune their developer marketing strategies to better align with audience preferences. Open source trends, for example, provide valuable insights into where to focus efforts. With Python leading recruitment demand at 42% and JavaScript close behind at 41.57%, companies can shape their advertising strategies to resonate with developers and maximize their reach.
Focusing on key programming languages offers businesses a chance to connect with vast communities. JavaScript boasts 20 million active developers, while Java and Python each have over 17 million. By targeting these groups, businesses can significantly extend their marketing impact.
Crafting Ads Around Language Preferences
Building on these trends, businesses can design highly tailored marketing campaigns. Platforms that allow targeting by programming language, project roles, and tools are particularly effective. For example, daily.dev Ads enables businesses to focus their campaigns based on specific programming languages, seniority levels, and tool preferences. This level of precision ensures that marketing efforts are relevant and engaging for the intended audience.
Consider Rust, which has seen explosive growth, tripling its community size in just two years to reach 3.7 million users. This makes Rust an appealing target for companies working on systems programming tools or cloud infrastructure. Similarly, Go powers over 12% of GitHub projects, highlighting its adoption in cloud-native development.
Smart marketers tailor their campaigns to match developer needs. Take Python, for instance: its dominance in data science and machine learning makes it the go-to language for AI development tools. With 42% of recruiters seeking Python skills, businesses can create campaigns that emphasize Python’s strengths in these areas, ensuring their message resonates with the right audience.
Reaching Developers Where They Engage
To effectively market to developers, businesses need to meet them where they spend time learning, collaborating, and discussing their favorite programming languages. The most successful campaigns integrate seamlessly into these spaces, delivering content that feels relevant and non-intrusive.
Platforms like daily.dev Ads offer native placements, such as in-feed and post-page ads, that naturally integrate into the content developers are already consuming. This approach ensures that marketing messages don’t disrupt workflows but instead add value. With access to over 1 million developers worldwide, businesses can target specific language communities - whether it’s the massive JavaScript audience or the rapidly growing Rust ecosystem - with pinpoint accuracy.
Language trends also highlight emerging opportunities. For instance, web development languages like Java, JavaScript, and PHP are gaining popularity, while traditional desktop languages like C and C++ are on the decline. This shift suggests businesses should lean into marketing efforts for web and cloud technologies while scaling back on tools designed for traditional desktop development.
Given the community-driven nature of open source development, marketers need to show a deep understanding of the ecosystems they’re targeting. Campaigns that address the unique challenges, tools, and workflows of each programming language are far more likely to drive engagement and conversions. By aligning marketing efforts with open source trends, companies can create strategies that resonate deeply with developer communities.
Conclusion
Recent studies highlight a clear shift in the popularity of open-source programming languages. Python continues to dominate with an impressive +8.72% increase in ratings, driven by its widespread use in AI, data science, and web development. Meanwhile, C++ has climbed to the #2 spot with a modest +0.84% gain.
Java also made notable progress, moving up from #4 to #3 with a +1.79% boost, while C# experienced a significant dip of -3.41%.
These changes carry weight for businesses making strategic decisions. For instance, with 42% of recruiters actively seeking Python expertise and 41.57% targeting JavaScript developers, companies can align their hiring strategies accordingly. Rust, admired by 83% of developers, also presents exciting opportunities in system programming and cloud infrastructure.
Main Takeaways
A key observation from these trends is that modern programming languages are steadily overtaking older ones, though established languages still hold strong in specific niches. Python’s success isn’t just about its popularity but also its versatility. As Ludo Fourrage of Nucamp puts it:
"Python is still crushing it in data science and AI, mainly because it's super easy to pick up and has tons of libraries."
Python also leads in educational interest, accounting for 29.9% of all programming language tutorial searches.
On the financial side, developers skilled in Ruby earn around $134,000 annually, while those specializing in C++ or JavaScript earn approximately $129,000. JavaScript remains widely used, with 62% of developers relying on it, and Go powers over 12% of GitHub projects, showcasing its growing role in cloud-native and web development.
For individuals, the data suggests Python as the safest language to learn, while C++ is steadily surpassing C for system programming. For businesses, the insights point to targeting Python communities for AI and data science tools and engaging C++ developers for performance-critical applications.
Additionally, with 90% of companies utilizing open-source technologies, engaging with open-source communities becomes essential. Businesses that understand these language trends and community dynamics can gain an edge by reaching developers where they code, learn, and collaborate.
To tap into these insights for developer marketing, platforms like daily.dev Ads (https://business.daily.dev) provide an effective way to connect with active developer communities.
FAQs
Why is Python now more popular than JavaScript on GitHub?
Python has claimed the top spot as the most-used programming language on GitHub in 2024, and it’s easy to see why. Its flexibility and user-friendly design have made it indispensable across a range of industries. Python is especially dominant in areas like artificial intelligence, data science, and machine learning - fields that have seen massive growth in the open-source community.
What sets Python apart is its straightforward syntax and an extensive collection of libraries. This combination makes it an obvious choice for developers tackling cutting-edge projects, cementing its reputation as a cornerstone in today’s programming landscape.
What new programming languages are becoming popular in the open source community, and what are they used for?
In 2025, Rust and Zig are making waves in the open source world, especially when it comes to system-level programming. These two languages are celebrated for their focus on safety and performance, which are critical for developing secure and efficient software.
Another language that continues to shine is Go (Golang). It's become a go-to choice for cloud computing and backend development. Developers appreciate its straightforward design and ability to handle scalable, high-performance applications with ease.
These shifts underscore the open source community's dedication to building tools that prioritize speed, security, and efficiency to keep pace with modern technological demands.
How do open source communities shape programming language trends and influence hiring in tech?
Open source communities have a knack for shaping the way programming languages evolve and gain traction. They thrive on collaboration, creativity, and a shared drive to push boundaries. This is exactly why languages like Python and Rust have soared in popularity, as highlighted in recent industry analyses. These trends aren't random - they mirror what developers seek and need, making open source a powerful engine for language adoption.
When it comes to hiring, open source involvement carries weight. Companies are on the lookout for candidates skilled in widely-used open source languages, as these match the skills in demand across the industry. For developers, contributing to open source projects does more than sharpen their technical know-how - it also puts them on the radar of potential employers. In short, being active in open source isn't just about coding; it's a smart move for career growth.
