Python Popularity Soars: Nearing Java’s Record in TIOBE Index
In August 2024, the Python programming language reached a new milestone in the TIOBE index, surpassing 18% popularity for the first time. The last time a similar achievement was made was by Java in November 2016. However, Java still holds the absolute record of 26.49%, set in June 2001. This figure remains the highest in the history of the TIOBE index and has yet to be surpassed.
Python outpaces its closest competitor, C++, by a remarkable 8%, which is nearly a record margin between the first and second positions in the index. The largest gap was recorded in November 2016, when Java led C by 9.55%.
The success of Python is attributed to its ease of learning and the high demand for programmers. Paul Jansen, CEO of TIOBE, is confident that Python is on its way to becoming the most popular programming language of all time.
Other languages, such as Rust and Kotlin, are rapidly climbing the rankings and approaching the top 10, but they will need considerable time to pose a real challenge to Python, noted Jansen.
The TIOBE index evaluates the popularity of programming languages monthly based on the number of skilled engineers, courses, and third-party vendors, using data from sites such as Google, Amazon, Wikipedia, and Bing. It is important to note that the TIOBE index does not determine the best programming language, but merely reflects its popularity.
Top 10 languages in the TIOBE index for August 2024:
- Python — 18.04%
- C++ — 10.04%
- C — 9.17%
- Java — 9.16%
- C# — 6.39%
- JavaScript — 3.91%
- SQL — 2.21%
- Visual Basic — 2.18%
- Go — 2.03%
- Fortran — 1.79%
The Pypl index, which assesses language popularity based on Google search frequency, also confirms Python’s leadership, with a first-place ranking of 29.6%, significantly ahead of Java at 15.51%.
Top 10 languages in the Pypl index for August 2024:
- Python — 29.6%
- Java — 15.51%
- JavaScript — 8.38%
- C# — 6.7%
- C/C++ — 6.31%
- R — 4.6%
- PHP — 4.35%
- TypeScript — 2.93%
- Swift — 2.76%
- Rust — 2.58%
Python continues to solidify its position in the programming world, reaffirming its demand and ease of learning, making it a favorite among both beginners and experienced developers.
