The 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey shows an interesting disconnect between what developers use and what they actually want to use.
On paper, React and Next.js are still gaining ground. React use grew from 39% to 44% and Next.js climbed from 17% to 20%.
However, React admiration fell from 62% to 52%, and desired dropped from 33% to 30%. Next.js admiration also dipped, from 50% to 45%, and desired use fell from 18% to 14%.
More people are using these tools, but fewer seem enthusiastic about them. It looks like developers are sticking with what works, even if it no longer excites them.
The survey also highlighted a similar attitude toward AI. While 84% of developers say they use AI tools in some capacity, only 29% trust them.
Check the full Stack Overflow survey results to learn more.
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