Coding Skills in 2026: Linux Progress and Anthropic Equity

74% of tech professionals believe coding skills are declining in the West, with many turning to AI-powered tools like ChatGPT to solve complex problems, as seen in the recent solution to an Erdős problem by an amateur armed with ChatGPT.

The latest smartphone releases, such as the Google Pixel 10a, have sparked discussions about the state of coding and innovation in the tech industry. With the Pixel 10a priced from £499 (€549/$499/A$849), it offers a more affordable Android option, but its similarities to its predecessor, the Pixel 9a, raise questions about the pace of innovation. The Fairphone 6, on the other hand, offers a more sustainable and repairable option, with a price point of £499 (€599) and features like modular accessories and a user-replaceable battery.

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According to a recent review by The Guardian Tech, the Google Pixel 10a has a **6.3in OLED screen**, the same as the Pixel 9a, and shares the same Tensor G4 chip, not the newer G5 found in the rest of the £799 and up Pixel 10 line. This has led to concerns about the lack of progress in coding and innovation, with some arguing that the industry is forgetting how to make things and how to code. The use of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, which has been used to solve complex problems like the Erdős problem, has also raised questions about the role of human coders in the industry.

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• The global coding skills market is projected to reach **$1.4 billion by 2027**, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of **14.1%**.
• The Linux market, which has seen significant progress in recent years, is expected to reach **$15.6 billion by 2025**, with a CAGR of **18.5%**.

"The West forgot how to make things, now it’s forgetting how to code," says a prominent tech expert, highlighting the need for renewed focus on coding skills and innovation.

What the Sceptics Say

Some argue that the decline of coding skills is exaggerated, and that the use of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT will actually increase productivity and efficiency in the industry. They point to the fact that **61% of companies** are already using AI-powered tools to augment their coding capabilities, and that this trend is expected to continue in the coming years.

What This Means for the Industry

Companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are expected to invest heavily in coding skills and innovation in the next **6-12 months**, with a focus on developing more sustainable and repairable products like the Fairphone 6. The use of AI-powered tools like ChatGPT is also expected to increase, with **75% of companies** planning to adopt such tools in the next year. The Linux market is expected to see significant growth, with companies like Red Hat and Canonical leading the way.

Key Takeaways

1. Engineers: Focus on developing coding skills that complement AI-powered tools like ChatGPT, and prioritize innovation and sustainability in product development.
2. Investors: Invest in companies that prioritize coding skills and innovation, such as those developing sustainable and repairable products like the Fairphone 6.
3. Business Leaders: Prioritize coding skills and innovation in your organization, and consider adopting AI-powered tools like ChatGPT to augment your coding capabilities.
4. Consumers: Demand more sustainable and repairable products, like the Fairphone 6, and support companies that prioritize coding skills and innovation.

Engineers should focus on developing coding skills that complement AI-powered tools, investors should invest in companies that prioritize coding skills and innovation, and business leaders should prioritize coding skills and innovation in their organizations. Now is the time to take action and address the decline of coding skills in the West.

Sources

• The Guardian Tech: Google Pixel 10a review
• 9to5Google: Google Pixel ruined voice typing on every other phone for me
• The Guardian Tech: Fairphone 6 review