C++ Secures Second Place in TIOBE Index for June; C Drops to Third, with Go and Rust on the Rise
Despite recent calls from the White House to move away from C++ and C due to concerns over memory safety, C++ has ascended to the second spot in the TIOBE Index of programming language popularity for June. This marks a notable rise, with C++ now only trailing behind Python. In contrast, the C language has dropped to third place, its lowest ranking ever in the index.
C++’s strong showing can be attributed to its enduring strengths in performance and scalability, qualities that have cemented its role in various critical domains. “The main strengths of C++ are its performance and scalability,” Paul Jansen, CEO of Tiobe Software, explained in a blog post about the index. However, Jansen also highlighted a significant drawback: C++’s extensive feature set and historical evolution have led to a complex and often confusing array of programming idioms. “The many different idioms introduced over time without deprecation have made C++ code harder to understand and maintain,” he noted.
Jansen’s remarks come in the wake of a February report from the White House Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD), which recommended developers move away from C and C++ due to their perceived lack of memory safety. The report suggested transitioning to languages like Rust, which are considered safer and better suited to mitigate the risk of cyberattacks. Jansen criticized the White House recommendation, arguing that it overlooked the practical challenges of adopting Rust, including its complexity and the current lack of widespread development tools and community support.
C++ remains a critical language in numerous fields, including embedded systems, game development, and financial trading software, reflecting its broad applicability and entrenched position in the industry. The White House warning against C and C++ prompted a notable defense from Bjarne Stroustrup, the creator of C++, who pointed out ongoing efforts by the C++ standards committee to enhance the language’s safety features. Stroustrup emphasized that C++ can be used safely when developers are well-versed in its nuances.
Additionally, the TIOBE Index highlights a broader trend in programming languages, with other languages such as Go and Rust also rising in popularity. These languages are gaining traction for their own strengths, with Rust being particularly noted for its memory safety features. However, despite these trends, C++ continues to hold a significant place in the programming landscape, underlining its robustness and relevance.
Overall, the rise of C++ in the TIOBE Index demonstrates its continued importance and resilience in the face of evolving industry recommendations and technological advancements. While the debate over language safety and suitability continues, C++ remains a pivotal tool in many critical applications, proving its lasting impact on the field of programming