2025 Stack Overflow Survey: Hottest Languages, Databases & AI Tools Revealed

2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey Overview

Stack Overflow released its 2025 Developer Survey, with more than 90,000 developers participating. The full report includes developer demographics and insights on technologies, AI, careers, and communities. This article focuses on the technology and AI sections.

Most Popular Database

PostgreSQL has become the most popular database, used by 49.09% of professional developers, up 2.61% from last year. MySQL follows at 40.59%, SQLite at 30.17%, DynamoDB at 10.31% surpassing Oracle (10.06%). Among learners, MySQL is used by 45.71%, MongoDB 28.15%, SQLite 26.93%.

Most Popular Programming Language

JavaScript has been the most popular language for 11 consecutive years. Python has overtaken SQL to become the third most popular language. Other languages such as Bash/Shell, C, Ruby, Perl, and Erlang each moved up one rank. Usage of Go and Rust also increased.

Highest-Paying Programming Language

Zig developers have a median annual salary of $103,611 (≈ ¥740,000). Zig is designed for stability, maintainability, and performance, aiming to replace C in system programming. PHP and Dart rank at the bottom. Last year’s top‑earning language Clojure fell to fifth place.

Most Popular Web Frameworks and Technologies

Node.js and React.js are the two most popular web technologies. Professional developers use them at similar rates, while learners favor Node.js (52% vs 48% for React). Other popular choices include jQuery, Express, Angular, Next.js, and Vue.js.

Most Popular Integrated Development Environment

Visual Studio Code remains the preferred IDE, with usage rising from 75% to 81% among all 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 tops the list, used by 55% of developers, with Tabnine (13%) and AWS CodeWhisperer (5%) trailing.

Trust in AI Tools

Less than 3% of users 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 help write code. Other uses include debugging, documentation, learning codebases, and testing.

Future Expectations for AI Tools

Both professional developers and learners expect AI tools to change development workflows within a year.