In a recent unveiling, the O'Reilly 2024 Tech Trends Report has marked a significant shift in the technological landscape, emphasizing the rapidly growing interest in Generative AI (Gen AI) and heightened focus on security. This report indicates a staggering 3,600% increase in engagement with GPT and Gen AI models, a trend that signals a paradigm shift in the tech industry.
Generative AI has not only garnered unprecedented attention but has also become a central focus among developers. The surge in GPT models, mainly, reflects a deepening interest in building on top of the APIs for these advanced language models. This has led to natural language processing maintaining its status as the most widely consumed AI topic, witnessing a substantial 195% increase in usage. Other areas like generative models and transformers have similarly seen immense growth, up by 900% and 325%, respectively. Notably, prompt engineering, a new area of interest that didn't exist two years ago, has quickly emerged as a significant topic, nearly matching the attention given to transformers.
The security realm has concurrently seen a severe uptick in interest, particularly in the age of Gen AI. O'Reilly's report shows that almost all security-related search topics have showcased growth since last year. Network security remains the most popular topic, with a 5% year-over-year growth, followed by governance and application security, which rose by 22% and 42%, respectively. DevSecOps also saw a significant 30% increase, indicating a shift toward incorporating security throughout the software development lifecycle.
In terms of programming languages, while Python and Java continue to lead in usage, newer languages like Rust are gaining traction, reflecting the evolving needs of the AI-driven tech landscape. C++, a mature programming language, saw a notable 10% growth in usage, further highlighting the increasing importance of AI in mainstream technology.
Mike Loukides, VP of Emerging Technology Content at O'Reilly, comments on this trend, stating that the current period is both rare and disruptive for the industry. He emphasizes that while the efficiency gains from AI are significant, they do not replace the need for expertise. This trend signals a shift in programming as we know it, with implications for skills, job prospects, and IT management. Loukides stresses that upskilling has become more crucial than ever to prepare for the new innovations that the coming year is set to bring.
The O'Reilly 2024 Tech Trends Report not only offers a glimpse into the future of technology but also serves as a roadmap for businesses and individuals to navigate the rapidly evolving landscape of AI and security. As the industry stands on the brink of a new era, this report underscores the need for continual learning and adaptation in the face of these groundbreaking developments.