2025 Stack Overflow Survey: Hottest Languages, Databases & AI Tools
The 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, with over 90,000 participants, shows JavaScript remains the most popular language, Zig tops the highest‑earning list, PostgreSQL overtakes MySQL as the leading database, Node.js and React dominate web frameworks, Visual Studio Code is the preferred IDE, and ChatGPT leads AI search tools, while developers anticipate AI reshaping workflows within a year.
2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey Overview
Stack Overflow released the 2025 Developer Survey, reporting participation from more than 90,000 developers worldwide. The full report covers developer demographics and insights on development technologies, AI, careers, and community involvement. This summary focuses on the technology and AI sections.
Most Popular Programming Language
JavaScript has remained the most popular programming language for the 11th consecutive year. Python has moved up to become the third most popular language, surpassing SQL. Other languages such as Bash/Shell, C, Ruby, Perl, and Erlang have each risen one rank, while Go and Rust have also seen increased usage.
Highest‑Earning Programming Language
Zig developers reported the highest median annual salary at $103,611 (≈ ¥740,000), positioning Zig as the top‑earning language. PHP and Dart ranked at the bottom. The previous year’s highest‑earning language, Clojure, fell to fifth place.
Most Popular Database
PostgreSQL has overtaken MySQL to become the most widely used database among professional developers, with a usage share of 49.09% (up 2.61% from the previous year). MySQL holds second place at 40.59%, followed by SQLite (30.17%) and DynamoDB (10.31%). Among developers learning to code, MySQL remains the most used (45.71%), with MongoDB (28.15%) and SQLite (26.93%) trailing.
Most Popular Web Frameworks and Technologies
Node.js and React.js are the two leading web technologies, with professional developers using them at similar rates. Among learners, Node.js is slightly more popular (52% vs 48%). Other notable technologies include jQuery, Express, Angular, Next.js, and Vue.js.
Most Popular Integrated Development Environment
Visual Studio Code remains the top choice IDE, with usage rising from 75% to 81% of respondents.
Most Popular AI Search Tool
ChatGPT is the leading AI search tool, used by 83% of respondents, followed by Bing AI (20%), WolframAlpha (13%) and Google Bard AI (10%).
Most Popular AI Development Tool
GitHub Copilot leads as the most popular AI development assistant, used by 55% of developers, with Tabnine (13%) and AWS CodeWhisperer (5%) following.
Trust in AI Tools
Less than 3% of developers have high trust in AI tool accuracy, while about 6% have very low trust. Approximately 39% express moderate trust, and 30% are neutral.
AI Tool Usage Scenarios
The majority of developers use AI tools to assist with code writing. Other uses include debugging, documentation, learning codebases, and testing.
Future Expectations for AI Tools
Both professional developers and learners believe that AI tools will change development workflows within the next year.
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