989: State of JS 2025

In this episode, Scott and Wes dive into the latest State of JS survey results, highlighting how JavaScript features are becoming less appealing over time. They discuss the increasing focus on libraries, tools, and APIs, noting the shift in developers' attention towards practical use over new language features. The duo emphasizes trends in library popularity and how certain libraries consistently follow a backward C shape in usage and sentiment, reflecting a cycle of initial enthusiasm followed by disappointment.

The conversation shifts to the library tier list based on the survey data, with Scott and Wes analyzing which libraries have risen in popularity and which ones have fallen out of favor. They review libraries like Vite and Playwright that showcase upward trends and discuss the inconsistencies in the data, particularly with Next.js and Astro's positioning in different tiers. They explore the emerging patterns in developer preferences and the underlying reasons behind these shifts.

The hosts explore meta-frameworks, looking at usage ratios over time and examining popular options like Next.js and Astro. They delve into the pain points users experience, such as excessive complexity, and discuss the evolving nature of these frameworks. Scott and Wes recognize the growing interest in new entrants in the space, particularly in light of competing frameworks that aim to simplify developers' workloads.

The discussion then transitions to backend frameworks, where Express remains a dominant choice among developers. The hosts note the challenges developers face when considering moving to newer alternatives like Hono. They reflect on the adoption rates and how developer inertia often keeps them tied to familiar tools, despite the advances in alternatives.

Scott and Wes highlight the impact of AI tools on developer workflows, noting how tools like ChatGPT, Co-Pilot, and Claude are influencing coding practices. There’s an exploration of the acceptance and usage rates concerning AI-generated code, with many developers indicating they still write a significant portion of their code manually. The hosts consider the future trajectory of AI in development, balancing optimism with caution.

To close the episode, Scott and Wes share their sick picks, featuring practical tools that enhance productivity. Scott praises the Anker MagSafe Charger Stand while Wes recommends a battery-powered heat gun, both of which are useful for both technical and everyday tasks.