The emergence of Large Language Models (LLMs) is altering the landscape of programming language selection. LLMs diminish the friction associated with learning new languages, making the specific choice of language less consequential than in the past. This enables developers to rewrite code in different languages or utilize languages they are unfamiliar with, relying on LLM assistance.
This change has led to an increased adoption of performance-focused languages, such as Rust and Zig. Developers are now choosing these languages based on their marketing for speed, even if they lack prior experience. This trend is partly attributed to a growing industry emphasis on fast software and the capability of LLMs to optimize code effectively without introducing regressions.
Several projects demonstrate this trend. Cloudflare's new Artifacts service uses a pure-Zig Git-protocol engine, compiled into a 100 KB WebAssembly module. Vercel released fx, a Zig coding agent, advertised for its small size and speed. These projects are largely developed with LLM assistance, highlighting the practical application of this new approach.
Beyond language choice, LLMs are also facilitating engagement with more complex technologies. Developers are now working with areas previously considered off-limits, such as DWARF files, eBPF, custom network drivers, custom crypto, and older computing hardware. This indicates that LLM assistance is lowering the barrier to entry for highly specialized and challenging technical domains.
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Large Language Models (LLMs) are making programming language choice less critical, allowing developers to use languages like Rust and Zig for performance without prior familiarity. This shift is driven by a renewed focus on fast software and LLMs' ability to optimize code, leading to increased adoption of previously niche or "hard" technologies.