China has emerged as the world’s largest hub for software developers, boasting a staggering 9.4 million professionals in the field, according to data from the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), reported by China Media Group. This figure represents approximately one-third of the global total, underscoring China’s significant role in the global digital landscape.
“China’s proportion of software developers globally surpasses its share of internet users, demonstrating the strength of our digital talent base and its pivotal role in driving the future of the digital economy,” said Li Xiaodong, Vice President of the Internet Society of China and Director of the Fuxi Institution.
China’s influence extends beyond sheer numbers; it is also making substantial contributions to the global open-source ecosystem. A report by the Cloud Computing Standards and Open Source Promotion Committee under the China Communications Standards Association reveals that Chinese projects now account for 17 percent of global open-source software, ranking China second worldwide.
Open source refers to software whose source code is publicly available for anyone to use, modify, and redistribute under a license agreement. This collaborative approach to software development has become ubiquitous, with 97 percent of software developers and 99 percent of companies worldwide utilizing open-source software.
One notable example of China’s open-source innovation is HarmonyOS, known as Hongmeng in Chinese. Launched in August 2019, HarmonyOS is designed for a variety of devices and scenarios, including smart screens, tablets, wearables, and automobiles. The MIIT reports that more than 70 organizations have joined the HarmonyOS ecosystem, with over 8,100 individuals contributing to its code.
“China has become the second-largest country in terms of open-source participants, with the fastest growth rate in the world. The number of devices using HarmonyOS has exceeded one billion,” said Xie Shaofeng, chief engineer with the ministry.
“As China’s contributions to open source align with its proportion of global internet users and developers, its global influence and technological innovation will continue to rise, delivering greater rewards while adhering to the open spirit of the internet,” Li added.
China’s burgeoning software developer community and its expanding role in open-source projects highlight the nation’s growing importance in the global technology sector. As digital economies evolve, China’s commitment to open collaboration and innovation positions it as a key player shaping the future of technology worldwide.
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China leads global software development with 9.4 million developers
cgtn.com
