Fortran and Delphi Make a Surprise Comeback in Programming Language Rankings
In a surprising shift, older programming languages like Fortran and Delphi are seeing a resurgence in the Tiobe index of language popularity. While these languages are often considered relics of the past, their rise in the rankings is largely driven by the need to maintain and support legacy systems that are still critical to many industries. As of March 2025, Delphi/Object Pascal is ranked 10th, with Fortran following closely at 11th, marking a notable comeback for both languages. Ada and Cobol, long associated with legacy systems, are also seeing upward trends, securing spots at 18th and 20th, respectively.
The Tiobe index, which measures language popularity based on factors like the number of skilled developers, educational resources, and third-party support, shows how these “old” languages continue to play a significant role. Tiobe CEO Paul Jansen pointed out that the resurgence of languages like Fortran and Delphi is tied to the crucial systems they continue to support. Many of these systems, still at the heart of various industries, were originally built using these older languages. Now, with the retirement of many core developers who originally maintained these systems, companies are opting to extend and maintain the existing infrastructure rather than risk the uncertainty of transitioning to newer, more modern languages.
While it’s easy to assume that the tech world has moved on from these programming languages, their continued relevance speaks to the robustness of their design. These languages have evolved over the years to meet modern demands, offering the reliability and stability that organizations require to keep their operations running smoothly. Rather than replacing systems built on these languages, businesses are choosing to invest in their continued maintenance and improvement.
The Tiobe rankings are determined by analyzing various sources, including major search engines and websites like Google, Bing, Amazon, and Wikipedia. The steady rise of these older languages in the rankings highlights an interesting trend: the need for continuity and stability in software systems, especially as the developers who originally wrote and maintained them begin to retire. While newer languages certainly have their place, the enduring role of Fortran, Delphi, Ada, and Cobol serves as a reminder that some things don’t fade easily, especially when they are vital to the backbone of global industries.