Jay 发自 凹非寺 量子位 | 公众号 QbitAI Python依然是最好的语言。 在刚刚出炉的IEEE Spectrum 2025编程语言排行榜上，Python再次斩获最受欢迎的编程语言。 不仅是冠军，而且是「一骑绝尘」的断崖式领先—— 第二名Java和Python的差距相当悬殊。 更可怕的是，Python仍保持着迅猛的增长速度，一、二名之间的鸿沟还在越拉越大。 Python十连冠 继连续九届蝉联IEEE Spectrum榜首后，Python今年再次发力，拿下了编程语言综合排名榜十连冠。 而且， 这是Python首次在综合排名、增长速度、就业导向等三个板块都问鼎第一，也是IEEE榜单12年来第一个三冠王。 想当年，Python刚出道时就因简洁性闻名遐迩，因此逐渐替代Java成为了高校的教学语言。 随后，NumPy、SciPy、matplotlib、pandas等库相继问世，让Python迅速成长为科研、金融、数据分析领域的王牌。 在这一过程中， 网络效应发挥了巨大作用。 越来越多的程序员选择Python，并基于它开发了各类工具，在开源社区贡献了海量的代码和解决方案，逐渐构建出属于Python的生态护城 ...

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the evolving landscape of programming languages, highlighting the dominance of Python and the decline of JavaScript, while emphasizing the impact of AI on programming practices and the potential stagnation of new language development [2][4][19]. Programming Language Rankings - IEEE Spectrum's 2025 ranking includes 64 programming languages, evaluated based on usage by programmers, employer demand, and current trends, with Python retaining the top position [2][4]. - JavaScript dropped from third to sixth place, attributed to the rise of AI tools that reduce the need for traditional coding practices [4][10]. Metrics and Methodology - The ranking process utilized seven different metrics, including Google search traffic, Stack Exchange questions, research paper mentions, and GitHub activity, reflecting the attention garnered by various languages [3][4]. AI's Influence on Programming - The article notes a significant reduction in questions posted on Stack Exchange, with 2025's volume at only 22% of 2024's, indicating a shift towards AI-assisted coding [12][13]. - Developers are increasingly relying on AI models like Claude and ChatGPT for coding assistance, leading to a diminished focus on specific programming languages [12][13]. Future of Programming Languages - The article raises concerns about the potential decline in the emergence of new programming languages, as AI tools may address many coding challenges, reducing the need for new languages [15][19]. - It speculates that programming may evolve towards a model where AI generates code from high-level prompts, potentially rendering traditional programming languages less relevant [18][19].

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 article discusses the recurring narrative of "programmers being replaced by machines" throughout the history of computing, emphasizing that each technological advancement has led to the evolution rather than the extinction of the programming profession [2][50]. Group 1: Historical Waves of Programmer Replacement - The first wave of replacement occurred in the 1950s with the advent of compilers, which allowed for higher-level programming languages, leading to the emergence of a new profession: software programmers [8][10]. - The 1960s saw the introduction of COBOL, aimed at making programming accessible to business managers, which instead resulted in a new class of specialized COBOL programmers [12][13]. - The 1970s introduced fourth-generation programming languages (4GL), which promised to simplify programming by allowing users to declare what they wanted rather than how to achieve it, but ultimately led to the rise of hybrid roles rather than the elimination of programmers [22][23]. - The 1980s brought about Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) tools, which aimed for full automation of coding but revealed that the core challenges of software development lay in defining requirements rather than coding itself [26][28]. - The 1990s saw the rise of Rapid Application Development (RAD) tools like Visual Basic, which democratized programming but also created a clear division between application developers and system developers [38][39]. - The 2000s introduced outsourcing as a cost-saving measure, leading to a new division of labor in the IT industry, but also highlighted the importance of communication and collaboration skills in software development [43][45]. - The 2010s witnessed the emergence of Low-Code/No-Code platforms, empowering business users to create applications, yet reinforcing the role of professional developers in governance and control [48][49]. Group 2: The Impact of AI on Programming - The current wave driven by AI and large language models (LLMs) raises concerns about the end of coding as a profession, but practical experience shows that AI-generated code often lacks context and requires human oversight [50][54]. - The historical pattern indicates that each technological advancement has led to a redefinition of the programmer's role, with increasing complexity and demand for higher-level skills rather than outright replacement [57][58]. - The enduring value of software engineers lies in their deep business understanding, rigorous system design, and critical thinking, which remain essential despite the rise of AI tools [59].

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].