Python Developer Trends: Rising Use of Rust, PostgreSQL, and AI Tools
A new survey of over 30,000 Python developers reveals significant trends in tech adoption as the language continues to evolve. The survey, conducted by the Python Software Foundation (PSF) in collaboration with JetBrains, highlights several key findings that reflect the growing ecosystem and the challenges faced by developers in staying up to date with the latest advancements.
One of the major issues identified in the survey is the widespread use of older Python versions. Although Python has made significant strides in backward compatibility, the data indicates that most developers still rely on versions that are a year or more out of date. Only 15% of the respondents are using the latest released version of Python, and an even smaller percentage are running versions from the 2010s or earlier. This trend is particularly surprising given the increasing performance benefits of newer releases, which can lead to significant cost savings for companies. The survey suggests that cloud users who continue to use outdated Python versions may be paying up to $5.6 million annually in computing costs due to suboptimal performance.
Rust is emerging as a critical tool for developers seeking to enhance the performance of their Python applications. The survey highlights how Rust is becoming increasingly important in the Python ecosystem, with a notable rise in the use of Rust-based projects for binary extensions and package development. From 27% to 33%, the usage of Rust in Python projects has grown significantly, signaling a shift in how developers approach performance optimization. This trend is further supported by the growing adoption of Rust-based tools such as ty and Pyrefly, which are also written in Rust and are helping to enhance the typing capabilities in Python.
PostgreSQL continues to dominate as the preferred database for Python developers, with its usage increasing from 43% to 49% over the past year. This growth reflects the ongoing maturity and reliability of the open-source database management system, which has been in use for over two decades. The survey also indicates that the other databases in the top six have also experienced a year-over-year increase in usage, highlighting a broader trend in database adoption within the Python community.
A major shift in the industry is the increasing interest in AI coding agents. Over 49% of the surveyed developers plan to explore the use of AI tools for coding, indicating a growing acceptance of these technologies in the development process. As major tech companies emphasize the importance of AI integration, developers are beginning to recognize the productivity benefits it offers. The estimated productivity gain for developers using AI coding agents is about 30%, suggesting a significant potential impact on the software development landscape.
The survey also delves into the diversity of the Python developer community, revealing that about one-third of respondents have contributed to open-source projects, primarily through code and documentation. This highlights the collaborative nature of the Python community and the role of open-source contributions in driving innovation. Additionally, the survey notes that the average experience of Python developers has become more varied, with 50% of respondents having less than two years of professional coding experience and 39% having less than two years of experience specifically with Python.
As the Python ecosystem continues to expand, the survey underscores the need for developers to stay informed about the latest tools, languages, and practices. The increasing complexity of modern software development is placing greater demands on developers to adapt and evolve, which is reflected in the growing adoption of technologies such as Rust, AI coding agents, and advanced databases like PostgreSQL. These trends are shaping the future of Python development and are likely to influence how developers approach coding, collaboration, and performance optimization in the coming years.