Developer Program Membership Up as APIs Proliferate

With our world now being as data-centric as it is, it’s no surprise there’s plenty of room in just about any market for more developers. In fact, according to new data from Evans Data, software developer program membership alone has experienced “huge growth” over the past decade. While this doesn’t on its own necessarily mean the number of developers in the world is growing, the fact that the number of developers in developer programs is also increasing does support this claim.

Indeed, while only about 45 percent of those enrolled in developer programs in 2007 were developers, that percentage is now 80 percent, claims Evans Data’s annual Developer Relations Program survey, representing a growth rate of 78 percent.

Developer programs are usually established by technology vendors as a way to recruit developers onto their platforms, while providing support to those that join. They can also act as a barometer of support for technologies. With companies far removed from the software industry now opening APIs, the field of developer relations is naturally expanding.

If the language of the interconnected ecosystem of technology solutions, service, apps and platforms is of interest to you, make plans to attend All About the API, the only event focused on exactly this topic. Featuring intensive hack-a-thons, in-depth company-focused workshops, powerful keynotes, networking opportunities and more, All About the API will take place July 18 to 21 at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.

“Industries everywhere are discovering that they need to publish open APIs in order to stay competitive in an interconnected world,” said Janel Garvin, CEO of Evans Data. “When you publish an API then you’ve got a platform and platforms are nothing unless developers adopt and use them. Consequently, we’re seeing large growth in the number and scope of Developer Relations programs.  Not only do platforms need to stay competitive, but so do the programs that support them.”

The Evans Data survey of over 670 developers was conducted in March. Other key points uncovered include that most developers are now in programs that they have adopted in the last six years. Meanwhile, 22 percent of respondents have been in the program they have been in the longest for two years or less, while 41 percent have been in their longest lasting program for three to six years.