AI's Impact on Programming Languages: TypeScript, Python, and the Future
Jessie A Ellis Nov 13, 2025 14:50
Explore how AI is reshaping programming language trends, with TypeScript overtaking Python and JavaScript, and the rise of 'duct tape' languages like Bash.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not only transforming how code is written but also influencing the choice of programming languages. According to insights from GitHub, AI is driving a significant shift in language preference, with TypeScript surpassing JavaScript and Python as the most-used language on GitHub in 2025, marking a 66% year-over-year increase.
AI's Role in Language Evolution
Idan Gazit, head of GitHub Next, emphasizes that AI is changing the landscape of software development by influencing the fundamental decisions about what tools developers choose to build with. The Octoverse report highlights this trend, showing that AI is beginning to shape language trends from the inside out, beyond just increasing productivity through faster pull requests and auto-generated tests.
TypeScript's Rise and the AI Feedback Loop
The move towards TypeScript is not just about its inherent advantages but also about how well it integrates with AI tools. Statistically typed languages like TypeScript provide the structural guardrails that AI models need to generate accurate code, making them increasingly attractive to developers who use AI tools. This creates a feedback loop where AI's proficiency with certain languages further enhances their popularity.
The Unexpected Surge of Bash
Interestingly, the use of Bash scripts has surged by 206% year-over-year in AI-generated projects. This growth is attributed to AI's ability to handle the more tedious aspects of programming, making less popular languages like Bash more tolerable. Developers can now rely on AI to manage the cumbersome parts of Bash scripting, leading to increased adoption.
Implications for Enterprises and Developers
Enterprises are no longer questioning whether to adopt AI but are now focused on understanding the post-adoption landscape. AI tools enable junior developers to become productive faster and allow senior developers to concentrate on higher-level architecture. This shift is altering the very definition of a senior engineer's role within organizations.
Future Trends: Portability and Ecosystem Leverage
Looking ahead, the choice of programming languages may become less about syntax and more about ecosystem leverage, such as package depth and tooling maturity. Technologies like WebAssembly are beginning to erode the constraints of language choice, promoting a future where portability and AI-driven tooling take precedence.
For developers, the key takeaway is to optimize for leverage rather than loyalty to a particular language. The languages that will thrive are those that maximize the shared advantage for both developers and AI tools.
For further insights on this topic, visit the original GitHub blog.
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