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Many in-house developers are ready to quit over inadequate tech

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Devs aren't happy with in-house tech stacks

Frustrated unhappy laptop user girl touching head at work table with computer
(Image credit: Shutterstock / fizkes)
  • Half of developers thought about quitting due to poor tech stacks this year
  • A tech stack is more than productivity – it defines many developers
  • Storyblok CTO calls for full modernization roadmap

The majority (58%) of developers are considering quitting due to poor and legacy tech stacks that reduce their efficiency and productivity, new research has claimed.

86% of the 200 developers surveyed by CMS firm Storyblok say they're embarrassed by their current tech stack, with nearly half (47.5%) considering quitting in the past year as a result of their tech stack, and nearly one in three (31%) considering doing so in the past month alone.

Developers' biggest frustration is having to maintain legacy systems and fix bugs on them (27.5%), while many are also fed up of having to deal with non-technical stakeholders (21.5%). In third place, 14% raised a lack of clear requirements and shifting priorities distracting them from a clear end goal.

Developers aren't happy with in-house tech

Besides the tech dissatisfaction, the developers highlighted how the tech stack they're working with affects their personal image.

Three-quarters (74%) of the survey's respondents claimed that their tech stack significantly influences their professional identity, with one in five (19.5%) going as far as saying it defines them. On the flip side, only 2.5% say it doesn't matter, highlighting the importance of adequate tools and solutions.

In terms of their current tech stacks, half (51%) of developers are frustrated with a lack of key functionality and maintenance difficulty (47%), while many noted an incompatibility with newer technologies and innovations like AI (31%).

"The message to businesses is clear - outdated tech stacks are making your developers unhappy to the point of quitting," noted Storyblok CTO Alexander Feiglstorfer.

With only 4% of respondents believing their current CMS fits their needs, and two in three (67.5%) stating that it holds them back, a better developer experience (29.5%), modern tech stack integration (23.5%), performance and scalability (17.5%) and AI integration (12.5%) are among the most desired improvements.

Feiglstorfer added that pay rises are just a temporary fix to pacify developers, and that companies should commit to a "modernization roadmap" to improve developer satisfaction and retention.

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Craig Hale
Craig Hale

With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!

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