Software development is a dynamic field where programming languages, frameworks and technologies can live and die within a few years and the needs of the job market are constantly changing. However, developers remain among the most in-demand tech professionals, and learning the right programming languages and other skills can help you find high-paying jobs in the field.
A report by Pluralsight identified the most popular software development technologies over the past year, along with those experiencing the greatest growth.
The most popular software development technology in 2025
Here are the 10 most popular software development technologies in 2025, according to the report:
- AI agents and LangChain
- RAG and Agentic RAG
- Python
- AWS and Azure
- Kubernetes and Docker
- Angular, React and Blazor
- SQL
- Linux
SEE: Python is the most popular programming language today, according to the TIOBE Programming Community Index.
“In 2025, we predict the biggest technology disruptor in general will be the adoption of AI agents,” wrote Adam Ipsen, chief content strategist at Pluralsight. The LangChain software framework can be used to create and manage these agents.
“Even if you’re not in a technical role or don’t want to become an AI specialist because you’re working as a cloud architect or programmer, knowing AI is becoming a core skill in 2024 and beyond (for cloud specialists, this is especially important as these spaces are rapidly intersecting with services such as Amazon Q),” Ipsen wrote in a report last year.
This is still true by 2025, even though the focus has shifted from large language models in general to semi-autonomous AI agents.
SEE: NVIDIA has added more AI power to its tiny Jetson Orin developer kit.
Meanwhile, Python is still the most popular programming language in the world. Last year, Pluralsight selected Python skills as the most popular software development skill.
“Python dominates data science and machine learning libraries, and that fact alone has dramatically increased its popularity and industry relevance over the past few years,” Ipsen wrote.
Big overview for technology leaders
Large language models, agents, and RAGs are coming together to create a blend of the most in-demand AI skills.
“We predict that in 2025, organizations will be looking for specialists who can combine these two techniques (agentic AI and RAG) to create highly autonomous AI agents that are empowered by your business data or other relevant information sources, known as Agentic RAG,” Ipsen said. .
Employees who know more than one of these skills will be valuable, and team leaders should provide time and encouragement for employees to learn them.
Working in multi-cloud environments, especially AWS and Microsoft Azure, is another skill set that will benefit organizations and employees looking to qualify for higher paying positions.