Are AI Skills Surpassing Traditional Programming in Tech Education?

The landscape of technology education has shifted dramatically in recent times, driven by evolving industry needs and user consumption patterns. The O’Reilly Technology Trends for 2025 report, based on data from O’Reilly’s online learning platform, reveals significant changes in the types of tech skills in demand and the trends shaping the future of technology education. Spanning the period from January 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024, the report offers an insightful look into the current and future tech ecosystem.

Soaring Demand for AI-Related Skills

One of the most prominent findings is the soaring demand for AI-related skills. Consumption of AI-related content has substantially increased, with topics such as prompt engineering experiencing a staggering 456% rise. Additionally, AI principles saw a jump of 386% in engagement, while generative AI content consumption rose by 289%. Furthermore, GitHub Copilot, an AI-powered tool for software developers, witnessed a remarkable 471% increase, underscoring the growing enthusiasm among developers for AI tools aimed at enhancing productivity.

Decline in Traditional Programming Languages

Contrary to the rising popularity of AI skills, traditional programming languages are experiencing a decline. Python, once hailed as a ubiquitous language for developers, saw a 5.3% decrease in content consumption. Java fared worse, with a 13% decline. This shift suggests that learners and professionals are gravitating towards emerging technologies such as AI, moving away from long-established programming languages.

Increased Interest in Security-Related Topics

The report also reveals an uptick in interest in security-related areas. Governance, risk, and compliance saw a notable 44% increase in engagement, while application security content grew by 17%. Similarly, there was a 13% rise in content related to zero trust and a 10% increase in compliance skills. This demonstrates a heightened focus on cybersecurity and data protection across the tech industry, reflecting the critical need to safeguard information in an increasingly digital world.

Changing Preferences in AI Learning

Interestingly, there has been a 13% decline in interest for content specifically related to GPT models. Instead, there is a growing emphasis on broader foundational knowledge of AI. This indicates a shift towards a more comprehensive understanding of AI principles, rather than an exclusive focus on platform-specific expertise.

Rising Importance of Data Engineering and Security Certifications

Another significant trend is the increasing importance of data engineering. Consumption of data engineering content has risen by 29%, emphasizing the necessity of data in driving advanced AI applications. Alongside this, content engagement for certifications like CISSP (up 11%) and CompTIA Security+ (up 13%) has surged, further highlighting the heightened focus on information systems security.

Saturation of Cloud-Related Skills

The O’Reilly report also notes that cloud-related skills have seemingly reached a saturation point among learners. This suggests that cloud technology competencies have matured, potentially leading to a plateau in the demand for cloud-specific learning.

Minor Increase in Rust Programming Language

Despite the overall decline in traditional programming languages, there is a small but notable 9.6% increase in consumption of Rust programming language content. This may indicate a growing interest in Rust’s capabilities and its advantages over other languages.

O’Reilly’s Conclusions on AI and Software Development

The landscape of technology education has experienced a transformative shift recently due to evolving industry demands and changing user consumption patterns. According to the O’Reilly Technology Trends for 2025 report, which is grounded in data gleaned from O’Reilly’s online learning platform, there have been notable changes in tech skills that are now in high demand. This report, covering the timeframe from January 1, 2024, to September 30, 2024, provides a detailed lens into the current and forthcoming tech environment. It highlights the significant trends that will shape the future of technology education, pointing out new areas where tech professionals are focusing their learning efforts. This comprehensive analysis is crucial for understanding the shifting priorities in tech education and workforce development. Indeed, as technology continues to evolve, staying informed about these trends becomes increasingly essential for professionals hoping to remain competitive in the job market.

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