Andreas Jud
Technology is always changing, especially in programming. What’s popular and cutting-edge today might be replaced by something new tomorrow. For beginners, this can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—this list will help you understand some big trends in tech right now, along with what’s becoming less common.
Each trend is paired with something it’s replacing. Just because something is less trendy doesn’t mean it’s useless—everything has its place. The key is to stay curious and choose tools that work for you.
1. Hot: Moving Workloads Back In-House
Not: Sky-High Cloud Bills
Using cloud services to run software or store data became super popular because it was easy and cheap—at first. But as companies grew, so did their cloud bills. Now, some businesses are moving their apps and data back to their own servers, especially for tasks that don’t change much. While this can save money, it also means taking on the hassle of managing your own hardware.
2. Hot: AI Coding Tools
Not: Pair Programming with Humans
AI tools like GitHub Copilot and ChatGPT are becoming must-haves for developers. They can help write code, suggest fixes, or speed up your work. But they’re not perfect—they sometimes make mistakes or "imagine" things that don’t exist.
Pair programming, where two people work on code together, is less popular now, partly because remote work makes it harder to sync up schedules. Still, human partners offer something AI can’t: real-life teamwork and a shared laugh during coding breaks.
3. Hot: Rust (apart from Python of course)
Not: Old-School C and C++
C and C++ have been around for decades and are known for their speed. But they can be tricky—small mistakes can cause crashes or security issues. That’s where Rust comes in. It’s designed to make your code faster and safer by preventing common bugs. Rust may take more time to learn, but it’s worth it for creating reliable software.
4. Hot: WebAssembly (Wasm)
Not: Running Code Directly in Browsers
Instead of writing JavaScript that runs in your browser, developers are turning to WebAssembly (Wasm). It’s a compact, super-fast way to run programs online. Wasm lets you use many different languages (like Python or Rust) to create websites or apps. Think of it like a turbo boost for your browser experience.
5. Hot: CPUs for Cost-Effective Computing
Not: Pricey GPUs
Graphics processing units (GPUs) are powerful and great for tasks like gaming or AI, but they’re expensive. Central processing units (CPUs) are making a comeback because they’re cheaper and still good for many tasks. New CPUs even have special features that handle AI workloads efficiently. It’s all about finding a balance between speed and cost.
6. Hot: Zero-Knowledge Proofs
Not: Simple Digital Signatures
Digital signatures confirm that a file or document hasn’t been tampered with, but they reveal everything about it. Zero-knowledge proofs take things further—they can prove something is true (like “I’m over 18”) without revealing any extra details (like your exact age). This is great for privacy and is being used in technologies like blockchain.
7. Hot: Simple and Reliable Blockchains
Not: Super-Complex Blockchain Features
Bitcoin, a basic cryptocurrency, focuses on securely tracking ownership of coins. It’s simple and works well. Ethereum, on the other hand, allows you to build apps on its blockchain, but this complexity can be costly. Developers are leaning toward simpler blockchains for practical tasks, saving the fancy features for when they’re really needed.
8. Hot: GraphQL for APIs
Not: REST APIs
APIs are like menus for apps, letting them request specific data. REST APIs are great, but GraphQL takes it up a notch by letting you ask for exactly what you need in one request. This makes it faster and more flexible for both developers and users.
9. Hot: Static Site Generators (Django!)
Not: Single-Page Apps (SPAs)
Static site generators create basic, fast-loading websites by pre-building pages ahead of time. These are faster and simpler than single-page apps (SPAs), which rely heavily on JavaScript to load content dynamically. Beginners love static site generators because they’re easy to learn and lightning-fast to use.
10. Hot: Configuring Databases
Not: Writing Tons of Code
Instead of writing code for everything, developers are focusing on setting up databases that store and organize information efficiently. Many modern tools let you configure databases with just a few clicks, making this a practical way to build apps faster.
Final Thoughts
Technology changes all the time, and trends come and go. Whether you’re just starting or already coding, it’s good to keep an eye on what’s new. Just remember: trends are tools, not rules. Use what works best for your projects and your goals.
Stay curious and happy coding!