TL;DR
Part 2 of Stack Overflow’s 2025 Developer Survey shows Python pulling ahead (+7% YoY) on the back of AI and backend work, PostgreSQL holding the #1 database spot at 58.2%, Node.js and React still leading web frameworks at 49.1% and 46.9%, and FastAPI emerging as the framework story of the year, while legacy tools like AngularJS, PHP, Ruby, and Perl keep losing ground.
Introduction
What Technologies Are Developers Actually Using and How They’re Changing Year Over Year.
In Part 1, we talked about the trust gap in AI, the cautious optimism of devs, and the rise of productivity-first workflows. But now let’s flip to the technologies and frameworks.
If you still haven’t checked out part 1 of the Developer Survey on Stack Overflow, check it here:
Let’s unpack what 49,000+ developers had to say about Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2025’s most popular programming languages, web frameworks, databases, and languages, what’s gaining momentum, what’s losing the spark, and more.
Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2025: Most Popular Programming Languages
One of the most dramatic shifts in this year’s Stack Overflow Technologies Survey 2025 was that Python saw a +7% increase in usage YoY.
Why? Because it’s not just a scripting tool anymore, it’s the language of AI, backend APIs, and data pipelines. Paired with FastAPI’s growth (more on that below), Python has gone from popular to essential. If you’re weighing Python against other backend options for your next build, our breakdown of Node.js vs Java vs Python covers where each one actually wins.
Languages on the Rise (YoY % Increase vs 2024)
| Language | 2024 → 2025 | Key Driver |
|---|---|---|
| Python | +7% | AI, FastAPI, ML workflows |
| Rust | +3% | Performance, safety in production |
| TypeScript | +2.5% | Better type safety, React/Next.js |
| Go | +2% | Scalable APIs and concurrency |
Languages in Decline (YoY % Decrease vs 2024)
| Language | Change | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| PHP | -3% | Legacy use only |
| Ruby | -2.5% | Losing ground to modern backends |
| Visual Basic | -2% | Aging tech stack |
| Perl | -1.8% | Low modern adoption |
As per the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2025’s most popular technologies, JavaScript remains the top-used language at 66%, but most of the buzz is happening around Python, Rust, and TypeScript, languages that power next-gen stacks.
AI’s Influence on Language Choices
The Stack Overflow survey 2025 showed that developers using AI tools prefer modern, fast, and flexible languages, like Python, Rust, Go, and TypeScript. Legacy languages are still used, but are rarely selected as “want to learn next.”
Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2025: Most Popular Databases, PostgreSQL Still #1
Top 5 Most Used Databases – 2025
| Database | Usage % | YoY Trend |
|---|---|---|
| PostgreSQL | 58.2% | Steady, #1 for the third year running |
| MySQL | 39.6% | Slight decline |
| SQLite | 36.9% | Slight gain (used in mobile/dev tools) |
| Microsoft SQL Server | 30.9% | Gradual decline |
| Redis | 30.7% | Strongest YoY riser of the top 5 |
As per the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2025’s most popular databases, Redis is the standout story among the top 5, reflecting how caching, in-memory data stores, and microservices architecture are becoming the norm.
Developers now expect high-speed, low-latency data solutions, and Redis delivers.
Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2025: Most Popular Web Frameworks
In last year’s Stack Overflow Developer Survey, Node.js, React, and Express led the charge. They still dominate. But 2025 is all about performance and flexibility, and that’s why:
- FastAPI climbed to 15.1% usage, a huge surge for a relatively young framework
- Next.js continues to climb, now at 21.5%, and closing in on Express
- AngularJS and older frameworks are fading, down to 7.5%
FastAPI and Next.js Are the Stars of 2025
| Framework | Usage % | Notable Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Node.js | 49.1% | Stable, still #1 |
| React | 46.9% | Holding strong |
| Next.js | 21.5% | Replacing Create React App |
| Express | 20.3% | Still core to the Node.js ecosystem |
| Vue.js | 18.4% | Slight gain |
| FastAPI | 15.1% | Huge surge |
| Flask | 13.2% | Losing ground to FastAPI |
| AngularJS | 7.5% | Continues to drop |
FastAPI’s rise is tied directly to Python’s success.
What Does This Mean for Your Stack?
Here’s what we’re seeing across thousands of devs globally as per the Stack Overflow Technology Survey:
- Modern, high-performance languages and frameworks are winning
- Python is the most versatile language in the stack right now
- Redis is becoming core to high-speed architecture
- FastAPI, Next.js, and Supabase are no longer niche tools
If you’re planning your dev roadmap for Q4 or hiring for your next big build, these aren’t just trends, they’re market signals.
Missed Part 1 of the Stack Overflow Developer Survey?
In Part 1 of the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2025, we explored how developers are using AI tools, where trust is breaking down, and why 69% of AI agent users report higher productivity, but still hesitate to rely on them fully.
Final Thoughts
Over two parts of the Stack Overflow Survey 2025, we’ve explored how developers are working, thinking, and building in 2025.
And while AI stole the spotlight in Part 1, Part 2 makes something else clear: the real power still lies in choosing the right tools, understanding the why behind them, and building stacks that are both scalable and sustainable.
And that’s what we believe at Enstacked. We don’t just follow what’s hot. We help businesses build with what lasts and evolve with what’s next.
If you’re still wondering which tech stack to use, or want to scale your dev team by hiring dedicated developers, we’re here to help.
Let’s stack smarter with Enstacked. Book your free consultation call today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What programming languages are most popular in 2025, according to Stack Overflow?
According to the Stack Overflow Programming Languages Ranking 2025, JavaScript, Python, HTML/CSS, and SQL remain the most used languages. Python saw the biggest jump, highlighting its dominance in AI, data, and backend development.
What languages do developers most want to work with?
The Stack Overflow Developer Survey shows high interest in Python, TypeScript, Rust, and Go as the most desired languages for future development based on performance, safety, and flexibility.
What are the most popular developer tools in 2025?
As per the Stack Overflow Survey 2025, Visual Studio Code and Visual Studio remain the top IDEs, with rising use of AI-powered tools like Cursor, Claude Code, and Windsurf.
Which databases are most used in 2025?
The Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2025’s most popular databases include PostgreSQL at 58.2%, followed by MySQL, SQLite, Microsoft SQL Server, and fast-growing Redis, which is now the fifth most-used database overall.
What frontend frameworks are trending in 2025?
According to the Stack Overflow Developer Survey 2025, Node.js and React lead at 49.1% and 46.9%, with Next.js, Express, and Vue.js rounding out the top five. FastAPI is also on the rise for backend/frontend API combos.
