According to the Stack Overflow 2021 Developer Survey, young coders—especially those under 18—are increasingly relying on online resources like videos and blogs rather than traditional books or school to learn programming. The survey highlights that nearly 60% of respondents use online resources for learning to code, emphasizing the growing role of digital content in shaping the next generation of developers. This shift towards online learning resources reflects how modern tools like tutorials, forums, and educational videos are becoming the primary medium for skill acquisition in the tech industry.
While online learning is clearly dominant, the survey also shows that formal education still plays a significant role. Almost 54% of participants indicated that they learned to code through school resources, suggesting that traditional methods still hold value, particularly when it comes to foundational knowledge and structured learning. This combination of online resources and school-based learning provides a balanced approach to coding education, with many young developers leveraging both for a more comprehensive understanding of programming concepts.
In addition to examining learning resources, the survey sheds light on the rapid growth of the software development profession. A striking 50% of survey respondents reported that they had been coding for 10 years or less, underscoring the accelerated pace at which people are entering the field. More than half of those surveyed started coding between the ages of 11 and 17, showing that a significant portion of developers begin their programming journey at a young age, often before reaching adulthood.
Another notable finding from the survey is the gender disparity within the developer community. A substantial 92% of professional developers and 91% of all respondents identified as men, highlighting the ongoing challenges related to diversity and inclusion in the tech industry. Despite the growing number of developers entering the field, there remains a significant gender gap that organizations and communities must address to ensure a more inclusive environment for future developers.