PSF Survey Reveals Python 2’s Continued Use in Data Analysis, Graphics, and DevOps
The Persistent Presence of Python 2: A Deeper Look at Developer Preferences
Despite the widespread adoption of Python 3, a surprising number of developers continue to hold on to Python 2, according to a late-2022 survey conducted by the Python Software Foundation and JetBrains. The survey gathered insights from over 23,000 Python developers and revealed that while Python 3 remains the overwhelming favorite, the percentage of developers using Python 2 actually saw a slight increase compared to previous years.
The results, published in the Python Developers Survey 2022 report, indicated that 93% of respondents had adopted Python 3, while 7% were still using Python 2. Though the gap between the two versions remains significant, this represents a shift from the previous year, when Python 3 held a 95% majority and only 5% of developers continued to use Python 2. The increase in Python 2 users, albeit small, raises questions about why some developers are reluctant to fully transition.
A Historical Perspective on Python Usage
Looking back at earlier surveys, it’s clear that the migration to Python 3 has been a gradual process. In 2020, the survey showed that 94% of respondents had adopted Python 3, while 6% were using Python 2. Even more strikingly, in 2017, the numbers were far closer, with 75% using Python 3 and 25% still sticking with Python 2. Over the years, the Python Software Foundation has consistently pushed for developers to embrace Python 3, particularly as Python 2 reached its official end of life in January 2020. Yet, some developers remain hesitant to make the switch.
Python 2’s Stubborn Hold in Specific Fields
The 2022 survey sheds light on where Python 2 continues to see significant usage. Among the developers still using Python 2, 29% reported using it for data analysis, while 24% were leveraging it for computer graphics. Additionally, 23% indicated that they used Python 2 in DevOps. These fields often involve legacy systems, specialized libraries, or workflows that are tightly integrated with Python 2, making it more difficult for teams to transition to Python 3. In some cases, migrating would require rewriting or reconfiguring substantial portions of existing code, which could be resource-intensive.
Why Python 2 Endures Despite Official End of Life
One might wonder why developers are sticking with a version of Python that is no longer officially supported. For many, the answer lies in the challenge of updating legacy systems and libraries. Certain libraries and frameworks may not have Python 3-compatible versions, or the cost and effort of upgrading large codebases may not justify the transition, particularly if those systems are still functioning as intended. In industries where stability is prioritized over the latest features, sticking with Python 2 may seem like the safer, more pragmatic choice.
The Slow Rollout of Python 3.12
Interestingly, the survey also revealed insights into developers’ adoption of newer Python 3 versions. Python 3.12, the latest major release, arrived in late 2023, but at the time of the survey, only 45% of respondents were using Python 3.10, which was released two years prior. A mere 2% were still using versions as old as Python 3.5 or lower, indicating that while the majority of developers have embraced Python 3, they are often slow to adopt the latest releases. This trend highlights a broader tendency among developers to prioritize stability and compatibility over rapidly upgrading to the newest features.
The Future of Python Development
As Python 3 continues to evolve with updates like Python 3.12, the community is expected to slowly but steadily shift away from Python 2. However, the survey results suggest that a small but consistent subset of developers may continue to use Python 2 for specific tasks where it still serves their needs effectively. While Python 3’s dominance is unlikely to be threatened, the ongoing usage of Python 2 reflects the reality that transitions in technology ecosystems often take longer than anticipated, particularly in industries with complex or long-standing systems.
In conclusion, while Python 3 remains the clear choice for most developers, Python 2’s resilience in certain fields offers a glimpse into the challenges of migrating legacy systems. The Python Software Foundation’s survey provides valuable insights into the current state of Python development, highlighting both the rapid adoption of new versions and the stubborn hold of older ones.