O’Reilly Report Reveals Surge in AI Learning in 2024 Amid Decline in Programming Languages

As the technology landscape continues to evolve, the demand for artificial intelligence (AI) expertise has markedly risen, overshadowing traditional programming languages like Python and Java. A recent report from O’Reilly, a prominent online learning platform, highlights these trends, showing how learners are increasingly gravitating toward AI-related content.

Increased Interest in AI Skills

According to the O’Reilly Technology Trends for 2025 report released on January 6, 2024, AI-related content consumption on the platform has skyrocketed. The report analyzed data from 2.8 million users and revealed staggering increases in specific AI learning topics. For example, content focused on prompt engineering surged by 456%, AI principles saw a rise of 386%, and interest in generative AI climbed by 289%.

This surge signifies a broader transformation in the technology education landscape. Developers are not just learning about AI; they are actively engaging with new tools and technologies that streamline their work processes. A noteworthy illustration of this trend is the significant increase in the usage of GitHub Copilot, an AI-driven programming assistant for developers, which grew by 471%. This enthusiasm reflects the industry’s interest in efficiency-enhancing technologies.

Continuing Role of Software Developers

Despite fears around AI potentially displacing jobs, industry experts maintain a positive outlook regarding the future of software development. O’Reilly’s vice president of content strategy, who authored the report, expressed confidence that AI will serve as a tool for developers rather than a replacement for their skills. “Ever since the computer industry got started in the 1950s, software developers have built tools to help them write software. AI is just another tool, another link in that chain,” they noted.

Moreover, as software development progresses, the report predicts that the next wave will involve creating sophisticated agents capable of planning and executing complex tasks autonomously. This development could potentially redefine various aspects of software engineering.

The Shift in Programming Language Preferences

In contrast to the increased focus on AI, consumption of content related to Python and Java has seen a decline. Specifically, demand for Python decreased by 5.3%, while interest in Java dropped by 13%. These downward trends indicate a shift in priorities among learners, who are increasingly prioritizing AI principles over established programming languages.

However, not all programming languages experienced declines. Rust, a systems programming language known for its performance and reliability, saw a 9.6% increase in content consumption. This may reflect a growing interest in modern programming solutions that address safety and concurrency, showcasing the shifting landscape of programming languages.

Rising Interest in Security Topics

Beyond AI and programming languages, O’Reilly’s report delved into a significant uptick in security-related topics. Areas such as governance, risk, and compliance saw a noteworthy increase of 44%, along with application security rising by 17%. Emerging trends such as zero-trust security models are garnering more attention, increasing by 13%, highlighting the ongoing importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital environment.

Additionally, skills related to compliance experienced a 10% growth, pointing to a heightened awareness of regulatory requirements in technology. This increased interest in security appears to complement AI learning, as organizations recognize the dual need for innovation and robust security measures.

Data Engineering Takes Center Stage

As AI becomes more integrated into various sectors, the demand for skills in data engineering has also risen sharply. O’Reilly reported a 29% increase in content consumption related to data engineering. This is pivotal, as data is foundational to the development and application of AI technologies.

Conversely, there was a noticeable decline of 13% in the consumption of content focused on Generative Pre-trained Transformer (GPT) models. This suggests a trend where learners are seeking fundamental AI knowledge rather than delving deeply into platform-specific skills.

Conclusion: A New Era of Learning

The O’Reilly Technology Trends for 2025 report paints a clear picture of the shifting educational priorities in technology. With AI skills gaining immense traction while traditional programming languages see a decline, it’s evident that the industry is evolving.

As organizations and individuals increasingly embrace AI technologies, a robust understanding of data engineering and cybersecurity will become equally vital. These skills will be essential for harnessing AI’s full potential while safeguarding systems against emerging threats.

Key Takeaways

• There is a substantial increase in demand for AI-related skills, significantly impacting topics such as prompt engineering and generative AI.
• Traditional programming languages like Python and Java are witnessing declines in interest, while Rust is growing.
• Security-related topics are seeing increases, reflecting a strong focus on risk management and compliance.
• Data engineering is foundational for AI applications, indicating its rising importance in technology education.

As these trends continue, it will be essential for learners and educators alike to adapt to the shifting landscape in order to stay relevant in a fast-paced technological world.