GitHub has witnessed a significant growth in its UK user base, now exceeding 4 million users in 2024.
- The UK holds the fifth-largest developer community globally on GitHub and leads in the EMEA region.
- GitHub’s new AI-powered tools, like Spark, enable unprecedented speed in web app development.
- AI usage among developers is increasing, with 73% utilizing AI tools such as GitHub Copilot.
- GitHub envisions a future where one billion individuals globally could engage in software development.
GitHub has achieved a milestone in 2024, with its UK user base surpassing 4 million, marking a significant 19% increase from the previous year. This growth solidifies the UK’s position as the fifth-largest developer community globally on GitHub and the leader in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. The UK is also a top contributor to open source projects, emphasizing its pivotal role in the coding ecosystem.
Martin Woodward, Vice President of Developer Relations at GitHub, highlighted the UK’s strong tradition in open source contributions. He noted the extensive use of GitHub within various sectors in the UK, from local enterprises to international entities based in the region. According to Woodward, “If you walk around Canary Wharf, they’re all using GitHub because it’s particularly good at connecting teams together,” illustrating the wide adoption of the platform in the UK.
Amid this growth, GitHub introduced a range of innovative AI-powered tools during its Universe conference in San Francisco. Among these is Spark, a low-code tool designed to accelerate web application development through AI assistance. This tool reflects GitHub’s focus on leveraging AI to enhance productivity and streamline the development process.
The adoption of AI tools in development is on the rise, with a recent survey indicating that 73% of open source participants are using AI for coding and documentation tasks. GitHub’s AI tools, such as Copilot, play a crucial role in this trend, enabling developers to work more efficiently and effectively.
Looking ahead, Jonathan Carter, lead of GitHub Next, expressed a vision where a broader definition of ‘developer’ could include up to one billion people globally. Carter emphasized the growing demand for software development and the expansive opportunities it presents. He compared it to other crafts, where enjoyment and creativity do not require formal expertise, suggesting that more people could engage in development for personal and communal benefit.
Martin Woodward noted the transformative impact of AI on learning and development speed, stating, “I’m jealous of this generation that’s coming up… your ability to ship stuff is so much faster now.” This highlights the potential of AI in empowering the next generation of developers.
GitHub’s strategic focus on AI tools is propelling the platform’s growth and transforming the developer landscape worldwide.
