AI Summary
5 min readHosts Scott Tolinski and Wes Bos dissect the State of JS 2025 survey results, highlighting shifts in JavaScript library usage, frameworks, tools, and developer preferences based on responses from around 11,000 developers. The data shows familiar patterns like initial hype followed by declining sentiment for many tools, contrasted by sustained positivity for emerging options, with Vite-related tools and Astro standing out amid broader ecosystem maturation.
Usage Patterns and Tier Standouts
Popularity charts reveal a common "backward C" trajectory: tools like Express, React, and Webpack gain users then accumulate negative opinions over time. Exceptions form "S" shapes with positive retention—Solid.js maintains appeal for advanced users solving React pain points without a steep learning curve; Vitest climbs on speed for Vite users; Playwright rebounds via AI-driven automation. Vite dominates overall, its massive S-shaped curve reflecting high usage (top tool) and positivity.
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:00) **Intro to State of JS 2025** - Hosts introduce the February 2026 survey drop and excitement over real dev usage data vs hype
- 2 (02:21) **Library Popularity Trajectories** - Analyze change-over-time graph showing backward C (popularity then hate) and S shapes (rising positivity)
- 3 (07:52) **Library Tier List** - Break down S/A/B/C tiers based on sentiment and usage
- 4 (10:55) **Usage Ratios Over Time** - Highlight biggest increases/decreases in adoption
- 5 (12:44) **Other Front-End Frameworks** - Spotlight niche/emerging options like Ripple
- 6 (15:24) **Meta Frameworks Trends** - Next.js leads usage (+4%) but satisfaction dips; Astro climbs to #2 usage, #1 interest/satisfaction
- 7 (21:57) **Backend Frameworks** - Express dominates (80%) despite age; Hono debuts at 15%
+ Full timestamped outline available in the app
Show Notes
Scott and Wes dig into the latest State of JS survey results, breaking down which JavaScript libraries, frameworks, and tools are rising, falling, or holding steady in the ever-shifting JS ecosystem. From front-end frameworks and meta-framework pain points to JavaScript runtimes, hosting services, and the growing role of AI tools in developer workflows, this one’s packed with takes, tier lists, and plenty of opinions.
Show Notes
- 00:00 Welcome to Syntax!
- 01:06 JavaScript Features, not overly interesting.
- 02:15 JavaScript Libraries popularity and usage over time.
- 07:52 Library Tier List.
- 10:55 Library Ratios Over Time.
- 13:09 Other Front-End Frameworks.
- 15:24 Meta-framework Ratios Over Time.
- 19:34 Meta-Framework Pain Points.
- 21:57 Backend Frameworks.
- 25:14 LLM Stack Suggestions.
- 27:54 Brought to you by Sentry.io.
- 30:37 Testing Frameworks.
- 33:15 Libraries Other Tools.
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37:20 Utilities.
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