The 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey gives a fresh look at where data science fits inside the developer community. It’s worth noting up front that Stack Overflow is built for people who code, so its data naturally leans that way. That doesn’t make it less valuable, it just gives context to what we’re seeing.
Out of almost 95,000 responses, about 7 percent identified as data scientists or machine learning engineers. Within that group, more than 93 percent code. Even accounting for the platform’s developer bias, that number stands out. It confirms what most of us already know: modern data scientists write code every day.
The stack reflects that. Python is everywhere, but so are Docker, Kubernetes, and AWS. These aren’t tools for light analysis. They’re the backbone of modern software environments. Data scientists are working alongside engineers, solving the same execution and scaling challenges.
The AI section shows how quickly large language models are becoming part of daily workflows. Adoption is high, but confidence is mixed. Many data scientists use LLMs for exploration but still rely on traditional methods when it comes to execution, testing, and connecting outputs to pipelines. That’s where coding agents come in. With Zerve, an agent can run code, show results, and keep context alive across steps. It gives data scientists the freedom to experiment while staying connected to production-grade workflows.
The survey also highlights how distributed data science work has become. Teams are spread across locations, often remote or hybrid. Local notebooks don’t fit that reality. Cloud-based collaboration tools make more sense. They let teams share, iterate, and track experiments without losing context. That shift is already happening, and Zerve fits right into it.
And what about Stack Overflow itself? Sure, question volume has dipped since LLMs arrived, but it’s far from obsolete. Developers still rely on it to find trusted answers from peers rather than hallucinated code snippets. The platform remains a reliable reflection of how people who build things actually work.
Put it all together and the message is clear. Data scientists are coders. They’re building in modern environments. They’re using AI thoughtfully while staying close to the code. And they want tools that move at their pace.
Zerve was built for that. A place where agents help data scientists work faster, collaborate easily, and stay focused on what really matters.
If you work in data science, try Zerve for free and see how agents can change the way you build.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
What insights does the 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey provide about data science?
The 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey, with nearly 95,000 responses, reveals that about 7% identify as data scientists. It highlights the widespread use of Python, Docker, and Kubernetes in data science, the rapid adoption of large language models in AI, and the increasing prevalence of distributed data science work.
How prevalent is Python among data scientists according to the 2025 survey?
Python continues to be a dominant programming language in data science, as reflected in the 2025 Stack Overflow Developer Survey. Its extensive use underscores its importance for coding and data analysis tasks within the field.
What does the survey say about AI and large language models in data science?
The AI section of the 2025 survey shows how quickly large language models are becoming part of everyday data science workflows, indicating a significant shift towards integrating advanced AI technologies.
How has distributed work impacted data science according to the survey findings?
The survey highlights that distributed work has become more common in data science, reflecting changes in collaboration styles and remote working environments within the industry.
What trends regarding Stack Overflow usage by data scientists does the survey reveal?
While overall question volume on Stack Overflow has dipped, the platform remains a valuable resource. The trend suggests evolving ways data scientists seek help and share knowledge online.
What is Zerve and how does it support data scientists?
Zerve is a platform designed specifically for data scientists who code. It offers agents that assist with coding tasks and workflows. Data scientists are encouraged to try Zerve for free to experience how these agents can enhance their productivity.
