Coding Predictions 2025

Summary

In this video, Uncle Steph shares his insights on the most promising programming technologies for 2025, focusing on the dominant web stack (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) for job opportunities, freelancing, and SaaS businesses. He emphasizes the importance of mastering core programming principles over specific languages or frameworks. By becoming a versatile developer, you can easily transition between languages and technologies. With web development continuing to dominate, understanding the fundamentals is key for long-term success. Steph draws on his decades of experience, urging developers to focus on fundamental skills that will remain relevant well into the future.

Takeaways

• 😀 The web stack (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) remains the dominant choice for developers in 2025 due to its cross-platform nature and high job demand.
• 😀 There is no 'best' programming language; the best technology is the one suited for the job at hand.
• 😀 As developers gain experience, they should focus on mastering core programming concepts that translate across multiple languages and frameworks.
• 😀 Beginners should avoid fixating on specific languages and instead aim to become versatile, 'pure' developers capable of using any technology.
• 😀 The web stack continues to offer the most opportunities in freelancing, small business, and SaaS ventures, with abundant job openings.
• 😀 Understanding foundational principles, such as objects, functions, and design patterns, makes transitioning between languages (e.g., JavaScript to Python) relatively easy.
• 😀 Technology has stabilized since around 2012-2014, meaning core technologies like HTML5 and JavaScript remain relevant and do not undergo rapid changes.
• 😀 For every niche job in advanced technologies (e.g., TypeScript), there are thousands of opportunities in widely used languages like JavaScript.
• 😀 Developers should avoid getting caught up in the 'language wars' and instead focus on developing broad skills that will translate across all programming languages.
• 😀 Web development has proven to be a stable field for long-term careers, with a slow rate of technological change making it easier to stay current with foundational skills.

Q & A

What is the dominant technology stack to pursue in 2025 according to Uncle Steph?

The web stack, which includes HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, will remain the dominant technology stack for job opportunities, freelancing, and SaaS business ventures in 2025.

Why does Uncle Steph emphasize the importance of the web stack?

The web stack is crucial because it is cross-platform and universally used by people through web browsers, making it a highly valuable skill for developers in various career paths, including job markets and entrepreneurship.

What does Uncle Steph say about the concept of a 'best' programming language?

Uncle Steph argues that there is no 'best' programming language. The right language or technology depends on the specific job at hand, and it's more important to understand the core concepts that apply across different languages.

How does Uncle Steph suggest developers should view themselves in terms of technology?

Developers should aim to see themselves as 'pure developers,' who can work with any technology, rather than identifying themselves with a single language or framework like 'Java developer' or 'React developer.'

What analogy does Uncle Steph use to explain the importance of mastering fundamental skills?

Uncle Steph uses a martial arts analogy, explaining that just as mastering the fundamentals in one fighting style can improve skills across all styles, mastering core programming concepts can make a developer proficient across different languages and frameworks.

How does Uncle Steph describe the transition from one programming language to another?

He explains that once a developer understands fundamental concepts like objects and design patterns, transitioning from one language to another (e.g., from JavaScript to Python or TypeScript) becomes relatively easy and quick, especially for experienced developers.

What does Uncle Steph think about the rapid evolution of programming technologies?

Uncle Steph believes that the rate of change in programming technologies has slowed since around 2012, and major changes are now less frequent. He notes that many technologies have matured, and the fundamental principles of development remain largely the same.

Why does Uncle Steph mention the evergreen nature of his 2015 book on web design?

He mentions his 2015 book to emphasize that the basic principles of web design and coding he covered are still highly relevant today, illustrating that fundamental knowledge in these areas can remain unchanged for long periods of time.

What is Uncle Steph's view on the variety of job opportunities in different programming languages?

Uncle Steph points out that while there are jobs for specific languages (e.g., Java or React), the number of opportunities in languages like JavaScript and PHP far outweigh those in other languages. For example, for every TypeScript job, there may be thousands of JavaScript or PHP positions.

What advice does Uncle Steph offer to beginner developers who are concerned about choosing the right programming language?

He advises beginner developers not to worry too much about choosing the 'right' language, as all modern programming languages share similar core concepts. Instead, focus on learning the fundamentals, which will make it easier to adapt to any language in the future.