While Python continues to be the runaway leader in Tiobe’s monthly index of programming language popularity, C, C++, and Java are engaged in a fierce battle for second place. Currently in fifth place, but creeping up on these three, is C#.
For more than a year, the differences between C, C++, and Java in the Tiobe index have been less than 1%, according to an October 6 bulletin written by Tiobe CEO Paul Jansen. “At some time, C took the lead, then C++ took over, and now C is back while Java always remained at close distance of the other two,” Jansen wrote. “This month, C is back at position two, boosted by the adoption of its C23 version. But Java has just released version 25 and C++ is busy with version C++26. Hence, it is unclear what language is going to win.”
“All three languages have their merits to stay in competition: C being simple and superfast, C++ being fast and fit for large embedded systems, and Java being suitable for large business applications” Jansen wrote, adding that C# is rapidly gaining. “The 4% distance between C# and C, C++, and Java of the beginning of this year is now reduced to only 1.4%. Keep your seat belts fastened!”
