C++ Has Surpassed Java and May Soon Eclipse C, According to the Tiobe Index of Programming Language Popularity. Cobol Is Back in the Top 20.
C++, having already overtaken Java in the Tiobe index of programming language popularity, soon could overtake the C language, too. This shift in the rankings reflects the growing demand for languages that offer both high performance and scalability. The Tiobe index, which measures the popularity of programming languages based on the number of skilled engineers worldwide, courses, and third-party vendors, highlights significant trends in the software development industry.
In the Tiobe index for July 2023, C++ finished third, just 0.76% behind second-place C. Python, known for its simplicity and wide range of applications, ranked first, while Java came in fourth. The rise of C++ can be attributed to its performance capabilities and its suitability for developing large and complex systems. JavaScript and Cobol also showed notable increases in the index, indicating their sustained relevance in modern development.
Tiobe cited the demand for performance as driving C++ usage. “C dominated this area for a very long time, but it is not scalable. Now that systems tend to become larger, C++ is the way to go for fields such as automotive, financial markets (trading), medical, and semiconductors,” said Paul Jansen, CEO of software quality services provider Tiobe, in an email this week. This statement underscores the critical role of C++ in industries where high performance and efficiency are paramount.
The automotive industry, for instance, relies heavily on C++ for developing advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving technologies. Similarly, the financial markets use C++ to create high-frequency trading platforms that require low latency and high throughput. In the medical field, C++ is employed in developing complex imaging and diagnostic systems, while the semiconductor industry uses it for designing and simulating hardware.
The resurgence of Cobol, which has re-entered the top 20 in the Tiobe index, is another interesting development. Cobol, an acronym for Common Business-Oriented Language, was originally developed in the 1950s and has been widely used in business, finance, and administrative systems for companies and governments. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of Cobol when many state unemployment systems, written in Cobol, struggled to handle the surge in claims. This led to a renewed interest in the language and an increased demand for Cobol programmers.
JavaScript’s continued rise in popularity is also noteworthy. As the backbone of web development, JavaScript remains indispensable for creating interactive and dynamic websites. Its ecosystem, including libraries and frameworks like React, Angular, and Vue.js, has expanded significantly, making it a versatile and powerful tool for front-end development. Additionally, the advent of Node.js has enabled JavaScript to be used for server-side programming, further broadening its applicability.
In summary, the Tiobe index for July 2023 reveals significant trends in the programming language landscape. C++ is gaining ground on C, driven by the need for scalable and high-performance solutions in various industries. The resurgence of Cobol and the sustained popularity of JavaScript highlight the diverse needs of the software development community. As these trends continue to evolve, developers must stay informed and adaptable to leverage the right tools and languages for their projects.