GitHub Reaches 100 Million Active Developers, Surpassing Microsoft's Target

GitHub Reaches 100 Million Active Developers, Surpassing Microsoft's Target

Key Milestone Achieved

GitHub has announced a significant milestone: 100 million active developers are now utilizing the platform. This achievement surpasses the target set by Microsoft, which had aimed for this number by 2025. The platform's growth trajectory has been remarkable, increasing from 3 million developers a decade ago to 28 million when Microsoft acquired it for $7.5 billion in 2018, and then to over 90 million just three months prior to this announcement.

Image Credits: Rafael Henrique/SOPA Images/LightRocket / Getty Images

Historical Growth and Impact

Launched in 2008, GitHub has evolved into the default hosting service for millions of open-source and proprietary software projects. It facilitates collaboration among developers worldwide, enabling them to work together on shared codebases regardless of their geographical location.

Microsoft's Strategic Integration

For Microsoft, GitHub represents a crucial bridge to the software development community. This is a significant shift from its earlier stance, where it sometimes showed disdain for open-source software. Microsoft is leveraging GitHub and its associated data, albeit controversially at times, to develop its AI-powered pair programmer, Copilot. This integration is key to Microsoft's strategy in the AI and developer ecosystem.

Financial Contributions

Beyond its strategic importance, GitHub's various paid plans are a substantial revenue generator for Microsoft, contributing approximately $1 billion annually to its coffers. This financial success underscores the platform's value as a business asset.

Future Outlook

GitHub's rapid growth, exceeding its own ambitious targets, positions it as a central hub for software development and innovation. The platform's continued expansion and integration with AI technologies like Copilot suggest a strong future, further solidifying Microsoft's influence in the tech landscape.

Topics Covered:

• AI & Machine Learning: GitHub Copilot, AI-powered pair programmer.
• Software Development: Open source projects, code collaboration, developer platforms.
• Business & Finance: Microsoft acquisition, revenue generation, growth metrics.
• Technology Trends: AI integration, developer ecosystem, cloud services.

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About the Author:

Paul Sawers is a Senior Reporter at TechCrunch, focusing on UK and European startups, open-source software, and consumer/enterprise technologies. He has over a decade of experience in tech journalism.