Python, the number one programming language on the TIOBE Programming Language Community Index in August, has further cemented its place at the top.
Python went from 16.12 percentage points in July to 18.04% in August, a huge jump. This follows an equally notable year-over-year jump of 4.71%. Overall, the top 10 list saw some movement near the bottom, with SQL continuing its upward momentum that began in May.
The TIOBE Programming Community Index shows trends in programming languages based on search engine volume.
Python nears record ahead of C++
“This is likely Python's next step on the path to becoming the most popular programming language in history,” TIOBE Software CEO Paul Jansen wrote in the monthly TIOBE Index publication.
Python has an 8% lead over the second-ranked language on the list, C++. Jansen said that difference is “almost a record.” To break that record, the difference between the two languages’ rankings would have to reach 9.55% — the lead Java had over C in November 2016.
“In short, Python’s hegemony is now undeniable,” Jansen wrote.
“Is any new language expected to catch up to Python soon?” Jansen wrote. “Possible contenders Rust and Kotlin are quickly approaching the top 10 of the TIOBE index, but it will be a long time before they become a real threat to Python.”
Rust is ranked #14. Kotlin is ranked #18, a dramatic increase from #27 a year ago as of August 2023.
When TechRepublic asked about Python’s popularity in March, Jansen attributed it in part to “an incredible need for new programmers,” who often seek out Python since it’s one of the “languages with gentle learning curves.”
Other changes in the TIOBE index in August
C++ and C remained in second and third place in August. Further down the index, SQL moved up from tenth to seventh place. Fortran took over the tenth spot, a drop from ninth for the venerable language.
