A recent report published by O’Reilly highlights significant trends in Artificial Intelligence (AI) skills that are poised to influence learning and development (L&D) in the coming year. This analysis, based on data collected in 2024 from O’Reilly's tech-focused learning platform, identifies remarkable increases in key areas such as prompt engineering, AI principles, and generative AI.
Prompt engineering has seen a staggering surge of 465%, while interest in AI principles has risen by 386%, and generative AI content by 289%. This data indicates a growing recognition of the importance of foundational AI knowledge among developers, allowing them to effectively utilise a variety of generative AI tools like Google Gemini and Claude. In contrast, there has been a notable 13% decline in interest in ChatGPT-related content, suggesting a strategic shift among professionals focusing on broader competencies rather than specific platforms.
Mike Loukides, vice president of emerging technology content at O’Reilly, commented on this trend, stating, “This year marks a pivotal transition in technology, with AI evolving from generative capabilities to a transformative force reshaping how developers approach their craft.” This statement underscores the urgency and necessity of adapting to evolving technologies that are becoming central to business practices.
The report also sheds light on burgeoning interest in cybersecurity, which experienced a 44% increase in topics related to governance, risk, and compliance. This rise is complemented by a 17% uptick in content focusing on securing specific applications, reflecting the heightened importance of cybersecurity in today’s digital environment.
In addition to these areas, data engineering is becoming increasingly vital, evidenced by a 29% rise in relevant content. This trend points to the critical need for robust data infrastructure to support advancements in AI technologies. In contrast, traditional programming languages such as Python and Java are experiencing a downturn, with Python usage dropping by 5.3% and Java by a notable 13%.
Moreover, the marketplace for cloud computing appears to be stabilising, as indicated by a general decline across certifications for major cloud providers. The exception in this trend is Google Cloud certifications, which saw a modest increase of 2.2%.
These findings from O’Reilly outline a transformative landscape for AI skills within the tech industry, highlighting the shifting priorities of developers and the increasing relevance of security and data engineering in contemporary business practices.
Source: Noah Wire Services