The annual Stack Overflow Developer Survey is a cornerstone for understanding the ever-evolving landscape of software development. The 2025 edition, drawing insights from over 49,000 developers across 177 countries, offers a compelling snapshot of current trends, popular technologies, and shifting sentiments within the global developer community.
One of the most significant takeaways from this year’s survey is the continued ascent of Python. Demonstrating a remarkable 7 percentage point increase from 2024, Python now holds the fourth position among the most used programming languages, boasting a substantial 57.9% adoption rate. While it trails JavaScript (66%), HTML/CSS (61.9%), and SQL (58.6%), Python’s consistent growth underscores its versatility and increasing importance across various development domains, from web development to data science and artificial intelligence.
Speaking of artificial intelligence, the survey highlights a clear surge in the adoption of AI tools by developers. Usage jumped from 76% last year to an impressive 84% in 2025, with over half (51%) of professional developers incorporating these tools into their daily workflows. This widespread integration reflects the growing recognition of AI’s potential to enhance productivity and streamline development processes.
Within the AI tool ecosystem, interesting preferences emerge. Claude Sonnet stands out as the most admired AI model, garnering 67.5% of positive sentiment. Conversely, GPT is the most desired AI model, capturing the interest of 51.2% of developers. This distinction suggests that while developers appreciate the capabilities of certain models, their aspirations for future tools might lie elsewhere.
However, the survey also reveals a nuanced perspective on AI. Despite increased adoption, positive sentiment towards AI has seen a notable decline, dropping from 70% in 2023-2024 to 60% in 2025. This dip could be attributed to various factors, including evolving expectations, concerns about AI ethics, or the challenges of integrating AI effectively into complex projects. It signifies a more tempered and realistic outlook on the technology as its presence becomes more pervasive.
Finally, the survey sheds light on coding methodologies. A significant majority, 72% of developers, indicate they do not utilize “vibe coding” approaches. This suggests a preference for more structured and systematic development practices over intuitive or spontaneous coding styles.
The 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey provides invaluable insights for developers, tech companies, and educators alike. It paints a dynamic picture of a profession embracing new technologies like AI while maintaining a critical eye on their broader impact. Understanding these trends is crucial for navigating the future of software development.
