Major Shifts in Programming Language Popularity
According to the recently released October 2025 TIOBE Index, the programming language landscape has experienced notable changes beneath Python’s continued dominance. Sources indicate that C has overtaken C++ to secure the second position, while SQL has returned to the top 10 rankings, pushing Perl back out after its brief September reappearance.
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Python Maintains Commanding Lead
The report states that Python remains firmly in first place despite experiencing a rating decline from 25.98% in September to 24.45% in October. Analysts suggest that while this represents a 1.53-point decrease, Python continues to hold a substantial lead over competing languages and has shown a 2.55% year-over-year increase in popularity according to the TIOBE Index methodology.
Intense Competition for Runner-Up Position
Sources indicate that C rose from 8.65% to 9.29%, moving from third to second place, while C++ slipped to third despite a minor increase to 8.84%. Java maintained its fourth-place position at 8.35%. The report highlights that the gap among the top three languages remains exceptionally narrow, continuing a pattern of monthly fluctuations that has persisted for over a year.
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TIOBE Software CEO Paul Jansen reportedly noted that C, C++, and Java have been separated by less than one percentage point for an extended period. Analysts suggest that C’s return to second place may be linked to growing adoption of C23, while ongoing development of Java 25 and work on C++26 continue to keep the competitive landscape fluid.
SQL Returns as Established Languages Show Resilience
The October index shows SQL returning to the leaderboard at tenth position with 1.77%, underscoring the enduring relevance of established database languages. Meanwhile, C# has reportedly narrowed its distance from the top languages from approximately four points earlier this year to just 1.4%, positioning it as a potential challenger in the ongoing competition.
Stability in Lower Rankings
While the top positions experienced significant movement, the report states that lower ranks remained largely stable:
- JavaScript and Visual Basic maintained sixth and seventh places with 3.41% and 3.22% respectively
- Go held eighth position at 1.92%
- Delphi/Object Pascal inched up to ninth place with 1.86%
Broader Industry Context
These programming language shifts occur against a backdrop of significant technology industry developments. Recent reports have highlighted Apple’s challenges with AI talent retention, breakdowns in tech philanthropy partnerships, and Google’s advances with large-scale AI models.
Ongoing Battle for Position
According to the analysis, while Python’s top position appears secure for the foreseeable future, the competition for second place remains intensely contested. With version updates continually influencing language adoption and narrowing margins between competitors, industry observers suggest the programming language rankings may see further volatility in coming months.
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