More developers are now using Linux than macOS
New 2022 figures claim some surprising results on the most popular operating system in 2022
2022 Stack Overflow Developer Survey (opens in a new tab) reports that Linux-based software is now more popular than Apple’s macOS as developers seem to flock to other systems.
Linux distribution, which accounts for 40% for both personal and professional use, is recognized as some of the most customizable and adaptable operating systems for developers. The 40% rate is up from about a quarter in each of the previous five years, which suggests a significant shift to Linux could continue through 2023.
Popular programming operating system
However, macOS metrics continue to be strong in a market sector that is becoming increasingly expensive, accounting for 31% of individual users and 33% of professional users.
Perhaps less shocking is the popularity of Windows, as it takes the top spot as the most used operating system, with almost two-thirds (62%) of individual users preferring the OS and almost one half (49%) of professional users choose Microsoft Products.
2022 is also the year of increasing popularity of Windows 11, according to the monthly report cash register (opens in a new tab) figures, showing a steady increase from less than 3% market share in January 2022 to over 16% adoption by November 2022. Windows 10 remains the most popular OS version by far, accounting for 70 Significant % of OS distribution.
Furthermore, Statcount reports that Windows accounts for 75% of all computer users globally, including and excluding developers. macOS has only 16% of the market, while Linux has less than 3%, which further implies that it is a popular choice for developers and programmers.