C++ Surpasses Java, Nears C in Tiobe Popularity Index; COBOL Returns to Top 20
In the latest Tiobe index for programming language popularity as of July 2023, C++ has not only surpassed Java but is now closing in on overtaking the C language as well. Ranked third, C++ is just 0.76% behind C, which holds the second position. Python maintains its dominance in first place, with Java following closely in fourth. Tiobe attributes C++’s rise to increasing demand for high performance across various industries such as automotive, financial markets, medical sectors, and semiconductor development. According to Paul Jansen, CEO of Tiobe, C++ has emerged as the preferred choice in these fields due to its scalability and suitability for large-scale systems.
JavaScript also saw a notable increase in popularity, achieving its highest-ever ranking at sixth place in the July report. The exact reasons for JavaScript’s rise remain somewhat unclear, though Jansen speculates it could be attributed to the gradual decline of Visual Basic in usage trends.
Another unexpected development in the July index was the resurgence of COBOL, re-entering the top 20 programming languages after a prolonged absence. COBOL now holds the 20th position, up from 26th a year ago, signaling a renewed interest or need for legacy systems maintenance and modernization.
Tiobe’s monthly index methodology relies on factors such as the number of skilled engineers, courses offered, and third-party vendors associated with each programming language worldwide. This data is gathered from popular search engines like Google, Bing, Yahoo, and references from Wikipedia, providing a comprehensive snapshot of language popularity trends in the global developer community.
C++, having already overtaken Java in the Tiobe index of programming language popularity, soon could overtake the C language, too. Also rising in the index were JavaScript and Cobol.
In the Tiobe index for July 2023, C++ finished third, just .76% behind second-place C. Python ranked first and Java fourth. 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.
JavaScript reached sixth place in the July report, an all-time high for the popular language for web development. ”The reason why JavaScript is rising is unclear to me,” Jansen said. “I think it is mainly due to the fact that Visual Basic is gradually going out of fashion.” Also this month, Cobol re-entered the top 20 after a long time outside of it, ranking 20th. Cobol ranked 26th a year ago.