TL;DR
Programming books are rapidly falling out of favor, with industry sales down nearly 17% in 2023. AI tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot now dominate the learning and coding process, transforming how developers acquire skills.
Sales of programming books have plummeted, with industry figures showing a 16.9% decline in 2023, as AI-powered tools like ChatGPT and GitHub Copilot become the primary means for learning and coding among developers.
According to industry data, sales in the ‘computer book’ category at Circana BookScan have fallen sharply, and publishers have ceased reporting these figures publicly. The decline is linked to the widespread adoption of AI chatbots and code assistants, which now serve as the main resources for programmers seeking explanations, code snippets, and learning material.
As of January 2026, GitHub Copilot has 4.7 million paying subscribers, up 75% from the previous year, and ChatGPT has over 900 million monthly active users. Stack Overflow questions have remained steady at around 3,800 per month, similar to 2008 levels, indicating a shift away from traditional reference sources.
Why It Matters
This trend signifies a major transformation in how software developers learn and work. The decline of programming books suggests that AI tools are replacing the need for slow, carefully written explanations, potentially accelerating learning but also changing the skills and discipline traditionally associated with coding.
AI coding assistant tools
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Background
Historically, programming books served as essential resources for learning software development, requiring readers to type out examples and engage deeply with the material. However, the rise of AI chatbots and code generators has shifted the paradigm, providing instant explanations and code snippets, reducing reliance on printed texts. Industry reports from 2025 and 2026 show a clear decline in book sales and a change in how developers acquire knowledge.
“The programming book was, when you look at it squarely, always a slightly absurd object. Printed text on bound paper, describing software that lived on screens, which the reader had to retype, by hand, into a screen of their own.”
— Cyrus (author of the post)
“AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot are now the primary resources for learning and coding, making traditional books increasingly obsolete.”
— industry analyst
programming reference books
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
What Remains Unclear
It remains unclear whether the decline in programming books will continue or stabilize, and how this shift might impact long-term skill development and formal education in software engineering.
interactive coding tutorials
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
What’s Next
Developers and educators will likely adapt to AI tools as primary learning resources. Future industry reports and usage data will clarify whether the decline in books is permanent or if new formats or methods emerge to complement AI assistance.
AI-powered code generators
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Key Questions
Why are programming books declining in sales?
Because AI-powered chatbots and code assistants now provide instant, interactive explanations and code snippets, reducing the need for traditional printed books.
Will programming books disappear entirely?
It’s uncertain. While sales have dropped sharply, some niche or specialized books may still be published, but their role as primary learning tools is diminishing.
How are developers learning now?
Many rely on AI chatbots, code generators, online forums, and interactive tutorials rather than traditional books.
What does this mean for future programmers?
They may develop different skills, focusing more on interacting with AI tools and less on memorizing or typing out lengthy explanations from books.
Could this shift impact software quality?
Potentially, as reliance on AI might change how developers understand concepts, but it could also accelerate innovation and productivity if managed well.
Source: Hacker News
