Core Insights - The TIOBE index for October 2025 highlights the fierce competition for the second place among programming languages, with Python maintaining its first position since late 2023 [1][2]. Ranking Dynamics - C, C++, and Java have been in a tight race for the second position, with their ranking differences consistently under 1% over the past year [4]. - C has reclaimed the second position, while Java has consistently followed closely behind [4][5]. Language Advantages - The resurgence of C to the second position is attributed to the release and application of the C23 standard [5]. - C is recognized for its speed and efficiency as a foundational language, C++ is essential for large systems and embedded development, and Java dominates in enterprise-level and backend applications [7]. Trends and Observations - The overall trend for C, C++, and Java has been a gradual decline, with Python gaining popularity in various fields such as AI, data analysis, and automation [9][11]. - Python's dominance is evident, holding a significant lead with a rating of 24.45% [12][13]. Emerging Competitors - C is rapidly closing the gap with C, C++, and Java, reducing the difference from 4% at the beginning of the year to just 1.4% [14][15]. - The growth of C is attributed to the continued development of the Microsoft ecosystem and the maturity of the .NET platform [15]. Historical Context - The TIOBE index reflects the popularity and usage trends of programming languages rather than their strength, indicating a shift in developer focus due to new demands and technologies [19][20]. - C and C++ remain irreplaceable in operating systems, drivers, and game engines, while Java continues to be a stable choice in finance and enterprise systems [21][22]. Conclusion - Continuous learning and adaptation are essential for programmers, as no language is immune to obsolescence, only the programmers can become outdated [23].

Core Viewpoint - Python continues to dominate as the most popular programming language, achieving a remarkable lead over its competitors, particularly Java, in the IEEE Spectrum 2025 programming language rankings [2][4][5]. Group 1: Python's Dominance - Python has secured its position as the top programming language for ten consecutive years, marking a significant achievement in the IEEE Spectrum rankings [6]. - This year, Python has not only topped the overall ranking but also led in growth rate and employment orientation, making it the first language to achieve this triple crown in the 12-year history of the IEEE rankings [7]. - The gap between Python and Java is substantial, indicating Python's strong growth trajectory [4][5]. Group 2: Python's Ecosystem and AI Influence - Python's rise can be attributed to its simplicity and the development of powerful libraries such as NumPy, SciPy, matplotlib, and pandas, which have made it a favorite in scientific, financial, and data analysis fields [10]. - The network effect has played a crucial role, with an increasing number of developers choosing Python and contributing to its ecosystem, creating a robust community around it [11]. - AI has further amplified Python's advantages, as it possesses richer training data compared to other languages, making it the preferred choice for AI applications [12][13]. Group 3: Other Languages' Challenges - JavaScript has experienced the most significant decline, dropping from the top three to sixth place in the rankings, indicating a shift in its relevance [15]. - SQL, traditionally a highly valued skill, has also faced challenges from Python, which has encroached on its territory, although SQL remains a critical skill for database access [18][21][23]. Group 4: Changes in Programming Culture - The community culture among programmers is declining, with a noticeable drop in activity on platforms like Stack Overflow, as many now prefer to consult AI for problem-solving [25][26]. - The way programmers work is evolving, with AI taking over many tedious tasks, allowing developers to focus less on programming details [30][31]. - The diversity of programming languages may decrease as AI supports only mainstream languages, leading to a stronger emphasis on a few dominant languages [37][39]. Group 5: Future of Programming - The programming landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, potentially leading to a future where traditional programming languages may become less relevant [41]. - While high-level languages like Python have simplified programming, the ultimate goal may shift towards direct interaction with compilers through natural language prompts [46]. - The role of programmers may evolve, focusing more on architecture design and algorithm selection rather than maintaining extensive source code [49][50].

Core Insights - The TIOBE Index for July 2025 reveals that Python, C, C++, Java, C, JavaScript, and Go have maintained their positions in the top seven programming languages for three consecutive years, forming a strong "first camp" [1][4] - The competition for the 8th to 12th positions is fierce among older languages like Visual Basic, SQL, Fortran, Ada, Perl, and Delphi, showcasing a "twilight of the gods" in the programming world [1][3] - Despite the emergence of newer languages like Rust, Kotlin, Dart, and Julia, they have not yet broken into the top ten due to the resilience of established languages [4][5] Rankings and Market Share - Python's market share has surged to 26.98%, significantly widening the gap with the second-ranked C++ at 9.80%, marking a dramatic lead [7][10] - The top ten programming languages in July 2025 are: Python, C++, C, Java, C, JavaScript, Go, Visual Basic, Ada, and Delphi/Object Pascal [14][16] Language Characteristics and Trends - Python is recognized for its ease of use and active community, despite criticisms regarding its performance speed [11][12] - Older languages like Visual Basic and SQL maintain relevance due to their roles in enterprise legacy systems and database foundations, respectively [5][4] - Ada is experiencing a resurgence in high-security applications, while Fortran remains entrenched in scientific computing [5][4] Historical Context - The TIOBE Index is updated monthly and reflects trends in programming languages based on the number of engineers, courses, and third-party vendors, providing insights into the current landscape of programming languages [20]

Core Viewpoint - The TIOBE programming language ranking for June 2025 indicates a decline in SQL's popularity, dropping to 12th place, marking its historical low, while Python continues to dominate the rankings with a significant lead over other languages [2][20]. SQL's Historical Context - SQL reached its peak ranking at 6th place in October 2003 but was removed from the TIOBE index from 2004 to 2018 due to debates about its classification as a programming language [5]. - SQL was reintroduced to the rankings in 2018, benefiting from its stronghold in the database domain, and returned to the top ten [5]. SQL's Applications - SQL is integral to various sectors, including banking, e-commerce, healthcare, and education, where it manages vast amounts of structured data [7]. SQL Database Overview - A list of common SQL databases includes MySQL, PostgreSQL, SQLite, MariaDB, Oracle, SQL Server, and IBM Db2, with most being open-source [9]. Rise of NoSQL - The emergence of NoSQL databases poses a significant threat to SQL, as NoSQL is designed to handle unstructured data and offers greater flexibility, making it suitable for rapidly changing requirements [10][12]. - NoSQL databases, such as MongoDB and Redis, are increasingly favored for their ability to manage big data and high concurrency scenarios [13][16]. Programming Language Rankings - As of June 2025, the top programming languages are Python, C++, C, Java, C, JavaScript, Go, Visual Basic, Delphi/Object Pascal, and Fortran, with Python holding a commanding lead at 25.87% [20][22]. - SQL's ranking has dropped significantly, now positioned at 12th place, reflecting a shift in developer preferences towards more flexible programming languages [26]. Historical Trends - The TIOBE index tracks the popularity of programming languages based on various metrics, including search engine queries and community engagement, providing insights into industry trends [29].