Is AI replacing developers? Now data suggests otherwise

Remember when people feared AI would create fewer developers over time? The reality, as revealed in GitHub’s 2024 Octoverse report, is quite the opposite. AI isn't here to take your job, it’s here to amplify your impact.

This newsletter will explore the results of the report, showing how AI is shaping the future of software development. Whether you're a seasoned coder or just starting out, there's one clear takeaway here—AI is making developers more efficient, creative, and indispensable than ever before.

Let’s go! 

Psst - Did you get your FREE access to GitHub Copilot yet?

The free version is included by default in personal GitHub accounts and VS Code to help you start new projects, manage existing repositories, and more.

Start using GitHub Copilot for free > 

AI is accelerating the developer community 👥

AI sparked significant growth in the global developer community this past year, with more contributors than ever joining GitHub to innovate and build the next big thing. Key highlights include:

• Global surge: Nearly one billion contributions to open source and public projects in 2024, reflecting a 25% year-over-year growth. 

• Generative AI project boom: A 98% increase in publicly accessible AI projects, with tools like GitHub Copilot empowering over one million developers, educators, and students. 

• AI adoption everywhere: India, Germany, and Japan are among the fastest-growing contributors to generative AI projects. 

AI isn’t replacing us—instead, this year’s Octoverse report shows evidence that it’s nurturing a dynamic, diverse community, transforming how we learn, build, and collaborate.

3 actionable insights to take away 📋

1. Leverage AI for routine tasks, so you can focus on the bigger, creative stuff 💥

AI tools like GitHub Copilot reduce time spent on repetitive tasks. According to the report, tools like GitHub Copilot can slash vulnerability-fixing time from 1.5 hours to just 28 minutes! Use this time to focus on creative, high-impact problem-solving. 

2. Integrate smaller, flexible AI models into your projects 🎯

Developers are increasingly working with smaller LLMmodels (like select LLaMA models from Meta), tailored for specific tasks that require lower compute power. Explore projects like Ollama and learn how to incorporate compact, adaptable AI models into your own work.

3. When working with AI, try Python 🤖 

Python overtook JavaScript as the most-used GitHub language this year, driven by its heavy use in AI and machine learning. For those just picking up AI-driven projects, Python is a starting point, as AI performs better when it has more to draw on.

We’re all in this together 🌎

The Octoverse report highlights a powerful truth: the AI revolution has space for everyone. From driving open source innovation in Nigeria, to scaling AI startups in Brazil, or spearheading generative AI adoption in South Korea, developers worldwide are reshaping the future of technology. Together, we’re redefining what it means to be a developer and building the technology that powers our world. 

What’s your next step? 

AI has opened doors for developers to push the limits of what’s possible. The question now is, how will you take advantage of this new superpower? 

Comment below or share your favorite AI-driven project. For those ready to take the leap, explore what AI tools like GitHub Copilot can do for your coding experience.

Discover GitHub Copilot, which is now free >

More GitHub goodness: 

🔥 Subscribe to our developer newsletter. Discover tips and tricks to supercharge your development. 

😎 Check out new arrivals at The GitHub Shop. From collectables to ugly sweaters to stickers, get the good stuff while it’s still available. 

🪐 Secure the open source ecosystem. Applications are now open for current open source project maintainers to receive funding.

🧠 RSVP for an upcoming event. Grow your skills by attending one of our webinars.

🐙 Join our team. From engineers to writers, we’re always looking for the next great talent.

❤️ Sharing is caring. Repost this newsletter to your network.

✨ This newsletter was written and produced by Gwen Davis. ✨