Increase in Python's Popularity Despite Decline in Support from Python Foundation
In the recently published 2024 Python Developer Survey, a collaborative effort between the Python Software Foundation (PSF) and JetBrains, it was revealed that 83% of Python developers are still using older versions of Python rather than the latest 3.13 release. The most widely used version is Python 3.12 (35%), followed by 3.11 (21%), while only about 15% use the latest Python 3.13[1][4].
The main reasons for not upgrading are:
- The current version meets all their needs (53%)
- Lack of time to perform the upgrade (25%)[3][4]
Despite widespread use of containers (53%) and serverless environments (28%), which should make upgrading easier and safer, many developers postpone updates. This lag means missing out on major performance improvements, such as Python 3.13 offering up to 42% faster execution and 20-30% less memory usage compared to older versions like 3.10[3][4].
From an organizational perspective, this delay also translates into missed cost savings. Medium companies potentially lose $420,000 annually in cloud costs, and large enterprises up to $5.6 million[3].
Marie Nordin, community communications manager at the PSF, states that the foundation needs more support and resources from corporations built on and making revenue from Python to continue its work in hosting, distributing, and developing Python. The PSF has faced financial difficulties due to the rising costs of events and foundation operations, leading to the pause of its grants program[2].
The survey also indicated a seven percent increase in Python's usage, with Web development accounting for significant Python usage (46 percent)[1]. Another tool with rapid growth is uv, a Rust-based tool positioned as a replacement for the pip package manager, now at 11% usage[1].
Interestingly, the latest Stack Overflow survey shows a shift in the popularity of Integrated Development Environments (IDEs). Microsoft's Visual Studio Code has increased its popularity lead over PyCharm, with 48% and 25% usage respectively, compared to 41% and 31% in the previous survey[1].
The survey also highlighted the relatively quick adoption of Python by new developers. 39 percent of respondents started using Python within the last two years, with 50 percent of respondents having less than two years of professional coding experience[1].
In conclusion, while the Python developer community is relatively quick to adopt up to Python 3.12, there appears to be a cautious approach when it comes to moving to 3.13 due to perceived stability and time constraints. Wider adoption of newer versions could yield significant efficiency and cost benefits, yet inertia remains high largely due to satisfaction with current versions and upgrade effort concerns[1][2][3][4].
[1] Python Software Foundation (PSF) and JetBrains. (2025). 2024 Python Developer Survey. Retrieved from https://pyfound.org/survey/2024/ [2] Python Software Foundation. (2025). PSF grants program paused due to financial difficulties. Retrieved from https://pyfound.org/news/2025/grants-program-paused/ [3] Kennedy, M. (2025). Upgrading Python could save millions in cloud costs and be good for the planet. Retrieved from https://realpython.com/upgrading-python-3-13/ [4] Nordin, M. (2025). Python Software Foundation needs more support from corporations. Retrieved from https://realpython.com/psf-needs-more-support/
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