Most language migrations are driven by hype

Bill Doerrfeld | July 30, 2025

A new study exposes what really drives tech decisions in 2025...


Most developers admit their migrations are driven more by hype than proven outcomes. Today, I’m excited to cover a new report from HostingAdvice.com that surveyed 500 experienced devs on their recent migrations. Catch the exclusive on LeadDev.


The takeaways? Positive end results are 50/50, and the majority of migrations cause more tech debt. Those odds aren't that great. AI seems to be accelerating the rate of migrations, too.


To gauge outcomes before committing to the next flashy thing, experts recommend looking for warning signs, researching public case studies, following usage metrics, and encouraging AI literacy.


Check out the full piece on LeadDev!



Read: Yes, the majority of language migrations are driven by hype

Sign up to the DirectorPlus newsletter for a new story in your inbox each month featuring on-the-ground insights from some of the industry's top engineering leaders. Or, if you would like to be featured in the series, please read this.

Man presenting at the Nordic APIs conference, standing in front of a screen, with audience.
By Bill Doerrfeld September 17, 2025
Join me in Stockholm for Platform Summit 2025 and the API Security UnConference, October 13–15. Exciting talks, networking, and more.
A grey articulated figure kneeling, arranging small white objects in a clear plastic container. White background.
By Bill Doerrfeld September 11, 2025
MCP shines for indeterministic workflows, novel integrations, and giving AI coding agents context on the fly. But for more predictable automation it may be overengineeering.
Overhead view of construction site with workers in orange vests, metal beams, and dark concrete.
By Bill Doerrfeld August 30, 2025
For my latest DirectorPlus column with LeadDev, I synced with JB Brown, VP of engineering at Smartsheet, to learn about their multi-agent AI development strategy.
Pink and purple sunset sky with dark, fluffy clouds.
By Bill Doerrfeld August 25, 2025
Alternative clouds are having a moment. Nearly 75% of orgs are using two or more alt clouds beyond the hyperscalers, according to a HostingAdvice.com report.
Digital global CIOs digital sovereignty
By Bill Doerrfeld August 20, 2025
The cloud is no longer borderless. Rising regional data laws and sovereign cloud mandates are forcing CIOs to act.
A
By Bill Doerrfeld August 11, 2025
In a multi-agent coding workflow, an engineer leads a "team" of specialist AI agents to perform various SDLC tasks: scaffolding, coding, testing, log analysis, deployment, and more.
Open source software churn end of life
By Bill Doerrfeld August 8, 2025
Open-source software churn is accelerating. With more frequent version end-of-lives and even total project abandonments, it's harder than ever to keep up.
Cross-functional teams help Stack Overflow adapt LeadDev DirectorPlus 2025
By Bill Doerrfeld July 28, 2025
Facing an existential crisis, Stack Overflow has had to pivot quickly. I synced with a director to discover what team strategies are helping them adapt.
System Initiative feature InfoWorld doerrfeld
By Bill Doerrfeld July 14, 2025
System Initiative aims to replace the toil of maintaining config files with a data-based digital twin and visual modeling engine. An engine for DevOps, if you will.
CIOs describe why AI agents need APIs
By Bill Doerrfeld July 10, 2025
My latest feature on CIO.com explores why CIOs view APIs as a critical linchpin to realize success with agentic AI. Learn what it'll all take.