Python is Now Number 1
👋 Hello, I’m Eric! I write and make videos about all things software engineering!
I have finally gotten around to starting a newsletter, woot woot!
The goal is to share insights about Python and updates within the codingwithroby community.
Codingwithroby Update:
1. I started a Newsletter. I will provide helpful content that can be consumed in less than 5min a week.
2. Two videos a week for the month of January and then measure results.
- Technical Content
- Educational Software Engineering Content
#001 Newsletter:
Big news in the programming world—Python has officially removed JavaScript as the most popular language on GitHub!
JavaScript held the top spot for years, but Python’s rise has finally paid off. This is huge news for developers everywhere, especially those using Python.
Let’s talk about why Python is dominating, what this shift means for you as a developer, and how the world of software development is evolving.
Engage with Python Community
Python has a thriving community that is welcoming and supportive. Participating in online forums like Stack Overflow, GitHub, and codingwithroby's website can provide you with valuable insights and solutions to your coding challenges. Don't hesitate to ask questions and share your own knowledge. Your engagement will not only help you but also contribute to the community's growth.
Why Python is Crushing it:
1. AI is Taking Over, and Python is leading the way for modern technology.
Generative AI is everywhere, and Python is the backbone, making it all happen.
According to GitHub’s 2024 Octoverse report:
• 137,000 public generative AI projects were created in the last year. That’s a 98% jump!
• Python’s libraries like TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn are powering the AI revolution.
• Tools like OpenAI’s SDKs and Jupyter Notebooks are tailor-made for Python, making it the go-to language for AI developers.
Here’s the kicker: AI isn’t replacing developers. It’s doing the opposite—it’s creating more developers by lowering the barrier to entry. Luckily, Python is right in the middle of this boom.
2. A Global Community of Developers is Fueling the Growth for Open Source Technology
The number of developers worldwide is skyrocketing, especially in regions like India, Africa, and Latin America. GitHub predicts India will have the largest developer population by 2028. Python’s simplicity and versatility make it a top choice for this new wave of coders.
More developers = more Python projects. It’s as simple as that.
3. Open Source is Thriving, and Python is at the Heart of It
Open source is what makes modern development tick. With over 1 billion contributions to open-source projects in 2024, GitHub is proof that developers love to share their work.
Python thrives in open source because it’s so adaptable:
- Want to build a website? Use FastAPI.
- Doing data science? Try Pandas or NumPy.
- Automating tasks? Python's got your covered.
Python is also heavily used in emerging fields like AI, data engineering, and machine learning.
How to measure GitHub popularity:
GitHub doesn’t just count lines of code to rank languages. They look at total activity, like:
- Commits.
- Pull requests.
- Issues and comments.
- Code reviews.
By these measures, Python came out on top. It’s being used for everything from small side projects to massive AI systems.
Even though JavaScript still rules web development, Python’s ability to handle diverse tasks gives it the edge.
The State of Security & Automation:
GitHub’s report highlighted some challenges going into 2025:
• Over 39 million security leaks were detected in 2024.
• The most common vulnerabilities? Things like injection attacks, insecure design, and broken access control.
AI tools like GitHub Copilot are helping developers catch these issues faster but can also introduce new problems if not used carefully. Python’s simplicity makes it easier to write secure code, but developers still need to stay on top of best practices.
What this means for you:
• Lean into Web APIs, AI and Data Science: These fields are booming, and Python is the #1 language for these.
• Get Involved in Open Source: Contributing to projects is a great way to level up your skills and build your network.
Heading into 2025, here’s what you need to know:
1. AI is becoming a core part of software development, and Python is leading the charge.
2. The global developer community is growing fast, with more people coding than ever before.
3. What it means to be a developer is changing, as tools like GitHub Copilot make it easier to dive into coding.
Python’s rise to the top shows how versatile and powerful it is. Whether you’re building websites, automating tasks, or exploring AI, Python is the tool to have in your toolbox.
There is not better time to dive in. See you next week.
Eric
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