GitHub Onboards 2.2 Million Developers In India

GitHub, owned by Microsoft, has seen its Indian developer community grow by 2.2 million, bringing the total number to 15.4 million. During a recent visit to India, GitHub CEO Thomas Dohmke discussed various topics, including the significant workforce reduction in India in 2023.

GitHub laid off 80 per cent of its Indian workforce as part of a reorganisation driven by economic factors and specific product areas. Dohmke clarified that this decision was not a reflection on the country itself. Many of the affected employees were rehired by Microsoft due to their valuable skills, although the transition was not ideal. Despite the layoffs, GitHub remains optimistic about the opportunities in India.

Dohmke also addressed the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the Indian IT sector. While there are concerns that AI could disrupt traditional IT roles, Dohmke is confident that AI will drive Indian IT companies to new heights. He noted that as software systems become more complex, the demand for software maintenance and upgrades will continue to grow.

With AI adding to the complexity of software systems, the need for skilled software developers, particularly in India, is expected to rise. GitHub predicts that by 2027, India’s developer community will surpass that of the United States, which currently has 21 million developers.

Dohmke also highlighted the large number of computer science graduates in India, with approximately 2,00,000 students completing their studies each year. He envisions a future where coding education becomes widespread, with people learning to code in their native languages. This could lead to a continuous increase in the number of developers, positioning India as a global leader in software development and AI innovation.