Python displaces Java as second most popular programming language

Posted on Thursday, November 05 2020 @ 11:36 CET by Thomas De Maesschalck
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The November 2020 update of the TIOBE Index reveals Python is now world's second-most popular programming language. For the first time in almost 20 years, C and Java aren't making up the top two positions. C has held onto its number one spot with 16.32%, but Java dropped to the third place (11.68%) as Python (12.12%) has seen massive adoption thanks to its success in the data mining and AI fields.

Python has seen a rapid uptake over the last couple of years, while C's popularity is slowly declining, so it's not unthinkable that Python could rank first in the future. Paul Jansen, the CEO of TIOBE Software, believes the popularity of Python is partly the result of its easy learning curve. A lot of Python work these days is done by non-software engineers:
For the first time since the start of the TIOBE index nearly 20 years ago, Java and C don't make up the top 2 positions any more. C is still number one, but it is Python that claims the second position now. Some say that Python's recent surge in popularity is due to booming fields such as data mining, AI and numerical computing. But I have my own take on this. I believe that Python's popularity has to do with general demand. In the past, most programming activities were performed by software engineers. But programming skills are needed everywhere nowadays and there is a lack of good software developers. As a consequence, we need something simple that can be handled by non-software engineers, something easy to learn with fast edit cycles and smooth deployment. Python meets all these needs.

Some time ago I had a flat tyre and called the road patrol to help me out. The mechanic asked about my living and when I used the word "software" in my answer, he smiled and started talking very enthousiastically about his own passion: programming in Python. From that moment on, I knew Python would become ubiquitous - Paul Jansen CEO TIOBE Software
C++ ranks fourth with 7.60% and C# takes the fifth spot with a ranking of 4.67%.

Via: Neowin


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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