Is AI Impacting Which Programming Language Projects Use?

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by EditorDavid

February 23, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

In August 2025, TypeScript made history by surpassing Python and JavaScript as the most-used language on GitHub for the first time. This milestone, highlighted by GitHub's senior developer advocate, underscores how AI is not just accelerating coding but fundamentally altering which programming languages, frameworks, and tools developers choose. With 80% of new GitHub users adopting Copilot within their first week, AI-powered tools are resetting what developers perceive as "easy" by handling tedious tasks like boilerplate code and syntax errors. This shift is making complex yet powerful languages more accessible, encouraging developers to prioritize utility over ease of use. The data reveals a clear trend: language adoption is being reshaped by AI's influence. TypeScript experienced a 66% year-over-year growth, JavaScript rose by 24%, and shell scripting usage in AI-generated projects skyrocketed by 206%. These figures indicate that AI isn't just making development smoother—it's eliminating the friction that once discouraged developers from using certain tools. For instance, while we haven't suddenly developed a newfound love for Bash, AI has made shell scripting less painful, allowing developers to choose the right tool for the job without incurring the usual overhead. The rise of strongly typed languages like TypeScript is also tied to AI's preference for clear constraints. As AI becomes more integrated into development workflows, it mirrors the structures and patterns it encounters, reinforcing the importance of standardized practices. Experts emphasize that "standardizing before scaling" and documenting architectural decisions can help harness AI's potential effectively. However, while AI tools may streamline coding, they shouldn't be treated as infallible. Testing AI-generated code rigorously is crucial to ensuring quality and reliability. This shift matters because it signals a broader transformation in how developers approach their craft. AI isn't just a productivity booster; it's reshaping the very landscape of programming languages and tools. By reducing friction and making complex languages more accessible, AI empowers developers to focus on solving problems rather than getting bogged down by syntax or repetitive tasks. As these trends continue, they could redefine entire ecosystems, making once-niche tools more mainstream and influencing future language adoption trends. Ultimately, the interplay between AI and programming language adoption highlights a new era of development where convenience and efficiency drive change at scale. Developers

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Originally published on Slashdot on 2/23/2026