C++ Overtakes Java and Nears C, While Cobol Makes a Comeback in Tiobe’s Top 20
C++ Surges in Tiobe Index, Threatening C’s Long-Held Dominance
C++ has overtaken Java in the Tiobe index of programming language popularity and is poised to challenge the C language for second place. As of July 2023, C++ ranked third, just 0.76% behind C, while Python held the top spot and Java came in fourth. The rising popularity of C++ is largely driven by its adaptability and performance in various industries, making it a preferred choice for large-scale systems. According to Paul Jansen, CEO of Tiobe, demand for performance and scalability has caused C++ to thrive in areas where C once dominated, such as automotive, financial markets, and semiconductors.
The Tiobe index reflects a broader trend of developers gravitating towards languages that offer better performance optimization and scalability. C, while historically known for its efficiency in systems programming, struggles to adapt to the growing complexity of modern software applications. Jansen noted that C++, with its object-oriented features, is better suited for managing large, complex systems. This shift is especially notable in industries where performance is critical, like high-frequency trading and medical devices, where C++ has become the language of choice.
JavaScript has also seen a notable rise in popularity, reaching an all-time high of sixth place in the July 2023 Tiobe rankings. As the backbone of web development, JavaScript’s continued success isn’t surprising. However, Jansen remarked that the exact reason for its surge is unclear, speculating that the gradual decline of Visual Basic may have contributed to its rise. JavaScript’s versatility and its dominance in both frontend and backend web development likely play a key role in its increasing demand.
Another surprising comeback in the Tiobe index is Cobol, which re-entered the top 20 for the first time in years, ranking 20th. Cobol, once considered a legacy language with limited future prospects, ranked 26th a year ago. Its resurgence can be attributed to the critical need for maintaining and modernizing older systems in government and financial institutions, where Cobol still plays a key role. The pandemic further highlighted the importance of this language, as many institutions faced challenges in scaling up their Cobol-based systems to handle the sudden surge in demand for digital services.
The Tiobe index evaluates language popularity by analyzing various factors, including the number of skilled engineers, courses, and third-party vendors supporting each language. Popular search engines such as Google, Bing, Yahoo, and Wikipedia are used to gauge the overall interest and use of each language. While these rankings do not necessarily reflect the best language for every use case, they offer valuable insights into current trends in software development and highlight the shifting preferences within the developer community.
As we look ahead, C++’s continued rise in the Tiobe index suggests a growing shift in the industry towards performance-driven languages that can handle modern complexities. C, which has held its ground for decades, may soon be overtaken, marking a significant change in the landscape of programming languages. Meanwhile, the unexpected return of Cobol shows that even legacy languages can find relevance in today’s fast-paced tech environment, particularly when critical infrastructure depends on them.