Programming Language Trends in 2025: What Developers Are Using Now

Python dominates 2025's programming landscape, with AI-driven growth and a 25.98% market share. JavaScript remains essential for web development but faces competition from TypeScript, which is favored for scalable projects. Rust and Go are gaining traction, excelling in cloud-native and high-performance applications. Meanwhile, older languages like PHP and C# are seeing declines.

Key Insights:

• Python: Leads with AI/ML focus; overtakes JavaScript on GitHub with 22.5% growth in contributions.
• Rust: Climbs rankings with 72% developer approval for memory safety and performance.
• Go: Popular for cloud-native systems; jumps to 7th in TIOBE Index.
• TypeScript: Used by 69% of developers for large-scale web apps.
• JavaScript: Powers 98% of websites but drops to 6th in IEEE Spectrum rankings.
• C# and PHP: Declining usage due to competition and modern alternatives.

This year's trends highlight shifts driven by AI, cloud computing, and evolving developer needs. Businesses and developers must align with these changes to stay competitive.

Top 10 Programming Languages to Learn in 2025 (Ranked & Explained!)

Key Findings and Summary

The programming landscape is evolving at a brisk pace, with Python solidifying its dominance. Its TIOBE rating now exceeds 26%, while rising stars like Rust and Go are making waves in the rankings. These shifts are reshaping how the industry approaches development.

One standout moment: Python has overtaken JavaScript on GitHub after a decade of JavaScript's reign, with Python contributions growing by an impressive 22.5% year-over-year.

Top Programming Languages Overview

The top programming languages show a mix of consistency and shifts. Python remains firmly at the top across multiple rankings.

C++ has climbed to a notable position, holding an 11.37% share with a modest +0.84% increase from the previous year. This reflects a renewed interest in performance-oriented programming, particularly for systems and game development.

Java continues to hold a strong position in enterprise applications, ranking #3 or #4 in most indices. With an 8.35% market share in the September 2025 TIOBE Index, Java's extensive ecosystem and reliability keep it a cornerstone for enterprise software and Android development.

JavaScript, while critical for web development, has seen some ranking fluctuations. For instance, the IEEE Spectrum's 2025 ranking dropped JavaScript from 3rd place in 2024 to 6th place. That said, it still powers 98% of all websites and remains the most widely used language, with 62% of developers relying on it.

TypeScript is steadily gaining traction, now used by 69% of developers for larger projects. Its rise highlights the growing demand for scalable and maintainable web applications, where features like type safety significantly enhance code quality.

Here's a snapshot of the latest rankings, market shares, and year-over-year changes:

These trends set the stage for further analysis of languages that are either on the rise or losing steam.

Rising and Declining Languages

Rust has become a standout, earning widespread admiration for its memory safety and performance. With 72% developer approval, it has climbed from #13 in 2024 to #7 in August 2025. Rust's appeal lies in its suitability for systems programming and security-critical applications.

Go (Golang) is also making an impact, leaping from 13th place in January 2024 to 7th place in January 2025. Its efficient concurrency model and suitability for microservices have made it a favorite in cloud-native development.

C#, however, has seen a notable decline. It fell from the top spot in the 2023 TIOBE Index to #5 in 2025, with a –3.41% rating change. This drop may reflect a shift away from Windows-centric development and increased competition from Python, Java, and JavaScript in enterprise environments.

Languages like Visual Basic and PHP are losing ground. Visual Basic remains in use for legacy systems but is rarely chosen for new projects. PHP, while still powering 75.6% of all websites for server-side programming, faces growing competition from modern alternatives and has experienced a –0.8% global trend.

Interestingly, Perl has made an unexpected leap, jumping from 27th to 10th place in the September 2025 TIOBE Index - a remarkable 17-position climb.

These shifts highlight broader industry movements: Python's surge driven by AI, the rise of cloud-native development boosting Go and Rust, and the gradual phasing out of older technologies in favor of more secure and efficient options. For developers and businesses, these trends offer valuable insight into which skills and tools will be most in demand in the years ahead.

Up next, we dive deeper into language comparisons and explore their real-world applications.

Research Methods and Data Sources

Understanding programming language trends is essential for developers and tech marketers to make smart decisions. Gathering reliable data is the backbone of identifying these trends, which play a big role in shaping developer marketing strategies. Let’s dive into the methods behind these insights.

Data Sources and Analysis Methods

To create credible rankings, data is pulled from a variety of trusted platforms. IEEE Spectrum, for example, uses an approach that blends metrics from multiple sources. Stephen Cass, their Special Projects Editor, explains:

"We merge metrics from multiple sources to create our rankings. The metrics we choose publicly signal interest across a wide range of languages - Google search traffic, questions asked on Stack Exchange, mentions in research papers, activity on the GitHub open source code repository, and so on."

Another key resource is the Stack Overflow Developer Survey, which directly gathers feedback from developers. In 2025, the survey included 31,771 responses focused on programming languages. Developers were asked about the languages they used extensively over the past year and those they plan to adopt next, offering a dual perspective on current usage and future interest.

The TIOBE Programming Community Index takes a different route, using search engine popularity to gauge language demand. Paul Jansen, TIOBE's CEO, describes their process:

"The TIOBE Programming Community index is an indicator of the popularity of programming languages. The index is updated once a month. The ratings are based on the number of skilled engineers world-wide, courses and third party vendors. Popular web sites Google, Amazon, Wikipedia, Bing and more than 20 others are used to calculate the ratings."

For a language to qualify for TIOBE rankings, it must meet specific criteria: being Turing complete, having a Wikipedia entry, and generating over 5,000 Google search results for '+<language> programming' .

Pluralsight also contributes to the analysis by conducting an annual meta-study. This combines data from their platform, which serves over 50,000 tech learners, with other industry surveys. Their method highlights both learning trends and real-world application.

Similarly, Itransition aggregates data on language demand by analyzing metrics like usage frequency in projects, job postings, survey results, and search engine rankings. They rely on sources such as Indeed, DevJobsScanner, Glassdoor, Dice, and ZipRecruiter to build a well-rounded picture.

Additional data comes from GitHub activity and indices like PYPL, further enriching the analysis.

Research Scope

The focus of this research is on active usage and adoption trends among developers in the United States and globally in 2025. It examines languages currently used in production environments and tracks shifts in popularity.

To identify trends, the study analyzes year-over-year (YoY) and month-over-month (MoM) changes in rankings and usage. For instance, Python led the TIOBE Index in June 2025 with a 25.87% share, reflecting a more than 10% month-over-month increase.

Developer sentiment also plays a major role. The contrast between languages developers admire and those they plan to use can signal emerging trends. A great example is Rust, where 82.2% of developers admire the language, and 83% of current users plan to keep using it .

However, tracking these trends isn’t without its challenges. The rise of AI assistants has impacted traditional data sources. Stephen Cass from IEEE Spectrum highlights this shift:

"Programmers are turning away from many of these public expressions of interest. Rather than page through a book or search a website like Stack Exchange for answers to their questions, they'll chat with an LLM like Claude or ChatGPT in a private conversation."

This change has led to a sharp decline in traditional metrics like Stack Exchange activity. In 2025, the number of weekly questions posted about evaluated languages on IEEE Spectrum’s list dropped to just 22% of 2024 levels.

On the flip side, metrics like JavaScript package consumption in the npm ecosystem show growth, with a 15% YoY increase . Combined with job market data from employment platforms, these insights paint a detailed picture of the evolving programming landscape.

Top Programming Languages in 2025: Complete Analysis

By 2025, certain programming languages are expected to dominate the tech landscape, shaping both skill development and hiring strategies. Python continues to lead with a 25.98% share in the TIOBE Index, while established names like Java and C++ hold firm. Meanwhile, rising stars like Rust are gaining traction, hinting at a dynamic shift in developer preferences.

Language Comparison Chart

The performance of top programming languages highlights clear trends in growth and challenges. Python's meteoric rise is evident with a +5.81% year-over-year increase, while some older languages see a slight dip in popularity.

According to Stack Overflow's 2025 survey, Python's growth has been extraordinary, with a 7 percentage point increase in adoption:

"After more than a decade of steady growth, Python's adoption has accelerated significantly. It saw a 7 percentage point increase from 2024 to 2025".

Although Rust only commands a modest 1.01% market share and ranks 18th, its 72% developer approval rating hints at immense potential. This enthusiasm signals future growth as developers increasingly turn to Rust and Go for high-performance programming needs.

These figures lay the groundwork for evaluating how each language impacts the tech industry.

Use Cases and Industry Applications

The numbers tell part of the story, but understanding how these languages are applied in real-world scenarios reveals their true value. From AI to cloud-native systems, each language has carved out a niche.

Python continues to lead the charge in AI and data science, with frameworks like FastAPI gaining traction - a 5-point increase in usage from 2024 to 2025. Its simplicity and comprehensive libraries make it a favorite for building APIs, machine learning models, and automation tools.

JavaScript remains the backbone of web development. Despite a slight decline in rankings, its ecosystem continues to evolve, ensuring relevance for front-end and full-stack development.

Java retains its stronghold in enterprise environments, especially in Android development and large-scale applications. With 39.5% of recruiters actively seeking Java developers globally, it remains a reliable choice for businesses needing platform-independent solutions.

C++ excels in areas demanding high performance, such as game development, real-time systems, and high-frequency trading. Developers are favoring its modern features over the minimalism of C, as reflected in its ranking ahead of its predecessor.

Rust is gaining momentum in systems programming, embedded development, and cloud infrastructure. Its memory safety features, combined with high performance, make it a go-to for containerization tools and microservices. Job postings for Rust skills grew 35% year-over-year, with developers earning 15–20% higher salaries compared to similar roles.

Go has solidified its position in cloud computing and scalable web services. Its easy-to-learn syntax and built-in concurrency are perfect for modern distributed systems. Between January 2024 and January 2025, Go climbed from 11th to 7th in the TIOBE Index.

The rise of Docker is reshaping language choices, with a 17-point jump in usage making it nearly indispensable for developers. This surge in containerization has influenced how applications are designed and deployed, further emphasizing the importance of language ecosystems.

Developer tools also play a critical role in shaping adoption. Visual Studio Code has remained the most popular IDE for five years running, while Cargo, Rust's package manager, is highly admired, earning a 71% approval rating.

Overall, the success of a programming language in 2025 hinges on its ecosystem, developer tools, and alignment with industry trends like AI and cloud computing. These factors will continue to shape the future of programming.

sbb-itb-e54ba74

Rising and Declining Languages in 2025

The tech world is seeing a clear shift as developers embrace newer programming languages and move away from older ones. This change is driven by the evolving demands of the industry, like cloud-native architectures, improved performance, and tighter security. Let’s dive into which languages are thriving and which are fading.

Languages Growing in Popularity

Rust continues to shine, boasting an impressive 83% favorability rating for nine straight years. By February 2025, it climbed to #13 on the TIOBE Index, its highest rank yet, and is now used by over 2.26 million developers. GitHub’s 2024 report highlighted a 40% year-over-year increase in Rust adoption, with 38% of developers using it as their primary language - up from 34% the previous year - and 45% of organizations employing it for complex tasks.

Big names like Amazon Web Services have embraced Rust for critical projects, building its Firecracker microVM technology entirely in Rust to handle concurrent workloads securely and efficiently. Other companies, such as Figma and Shopify, rely on Rust for WebAssembly projects, with 23% of respondents in the 2024 State of Rust survey using it for browser-based tasks. Even blockchain platforms like Polkadot have chosen Rust for its memory safety and security advantages.

"What's great about Rust is that it's both fast AND reliable." – Jason Orendorff, Staff Software Engineer at GitHub

Go is also making waves, reaching the 7th spot on the TIOBE Index, its best ranking since 2009. With 5.8 million developers using it, Go is favored by 13.5% globally and 14.4% of professionals. An overwhelming 92% of Go users report positive experiences, and 93% express overall satisfaction with the language.

The practical value of Go is evident in its real-world applications. Netflix uses it for backend services managing API requests and data processing, while Uber achieved a staggering 99.99% reduction in latency outliers after switching its geofence service from Node.js to Go. Companies like Twitch, Dropbox, and American Express have also built key systems - ranging from video processing to payment platforms - using Go.

"What makes Go unique in the top 10 is that Go programs are fast and easy to deploy while the language is easy to learn." – Paul Jansen, CEO of TIOBE Software

TypeScript continues to gain traction, with 85% of Node.js developers preferring it for business projects to address JavaScript’s type safety concerns.

These examples highlight how modern languages are meeting the demand for cloud-native, high-performance solutions. While some languages rise to the occasion, others are struggling to keep up.

Languages Losing Ground

PHP has seen a sharp decline, with usage dropping 19% in 2024, according to O’Reilly’s platform data. While PHP still powers platforms like WordPress and Magento, it’s losing relevance in new web development projects.

"While there is still some demand for PHP developers, particularly for maintaining legacy systems or working with popular platforms like WordPress and Magento, its use is often limited to specific industries or projects. Many organizations now favor more modern alternatives like JavaScript/Node.js or Python for new development." – Softjourn

Other languages are also falling out of favor. Objective-C, Visual Basic (VB.NET), and Perl have been overshadowed by modern options like Swift, C#, Python, and Ruby. Similarly, COBOL - though still critical for legacy systems in banking and government - is primarily used for maintenance rather than new projects.

"Very few new projects use COBOL. It's mostly kept around because old systems still run on it. New developers rarely learn COBOL today." – Pawan Natekar

The decline of these languages stems from outdated syntax, limited modern support, and a lack of innovation. Companies are increasingly turning to languages that offer better developer experiences, robust ecosystems, and compatibility with modern architectural trends like cloud-native development and microservices.

For developers, this shift brings both challenges and opportunities. Those working with declining languages may need to learn newer ones to stay competitive, while experts in legacy systems could find lucrative roles maintaining essential infrastructure. On a broader scale, the move toward modern languages promises improved security, performance, and productivity, but it also requires careful planning to manage the transition from older technologies.

Impact on Developer Marketing and Advertising

Let’s take a closer look at how shifts in programming language trends are shaping developer marketing strategies. Staying updated on these trends isn’t just about keeping up with technology - it’s about building meaningful connections with developers. The growing popularity of languages like Rust, Go, and TypeScript offers businesses a chance to craft messages that resonate with specific developer communities.

Developers are discerning when it comes to marketing content. They value technical depth over generic pitches. As Ceci Stallsmith insightfully noted:

"The tools developers choose and use become part of their identity." - Ceci Stallsmith

This means that targeting developers based on their preferred programming languages isn’t just another form of demographic segmentation. It’s about engaging with them through the tools and technologies they rely on daily.

Language-Based Targeting Strategies

Successful campaigns often focus on specific programming languages and their ecosystems, aligning with active developer communities. Here are some examples:

• Python developers: Python holds a 25.98% market share, and 45.7% of recruiters are actively seeking Python expertise. These developers are heavily involved in AI/ML, data science, and web development. Many are also exploring Rust and Go to enhance their skills in high-performance systems programming.
• JavaScript and TypeScript developers: With 41.57% of recruiters seeking JavaScript expertise, this group is a key audience. Campaigns addressing their technical challenges - like transitioning to TypeScript or tackling front-end performance issues - can strike a chord.
• Rust developers: Known for their focus on memory safety and performance, Rust developers often work on systems programming and WebAssembly projects. This growing community presents a unique opportunity for targeted outreach.
• SQL developers: With 54% of professional developers actively using SQL and 37% ranking it as highly desirable, this audience is ideal for promoting database tools, analytics platforms, and enterprise solutions.

The goal is to align your product’s strengths with the specific needs and interests of each language community. For instance, Python developers might appreciate tools that boost productivity, while Rust developers are likely to value performance and safety.

Campaign Optimization with Current Data

Platforms like daily.dev Ads make it possible to tailor campaigns based on programming language preferences and developer roles, using real-time data to fine-tune strategies.

The most impactful campaigns go beyond empty claims; they demonstrate value. Providing working code samples, in-depth technical documentation, and free trials consistently outperforms traditional marketing tactics. As Carilu Dietrich, former CMO of Atlassian, put it:

"The most successful developer marketing doesn't feel like marketing at all. It feels like community, education, and shared vision." - Carilu Dietrich

Video content showcasing practical implementations is another strong approach, with YouTube remaining a popular platform for developers seeking hands-on insights. Timing campaigns around emerging interests - like the increasing curiosity in Rust and Go - can help establish your brand early in these spaces.

Additionally, tapping into developers’ learning aspirations can open new doors. Many Python developers, for example, are eager to explore Rust and Go, while those working on major cloud platforms are showing interest in Docker. Combining these insights allows for precise targeting, such as focusing on “Senior Python developers interested in AI/ML tools” or “JavaScript developers exploring TypeScript.” This level of specificity reduces wasted impressions and boosts engagement.

In the end, successful developer marketing hinges on authenticity, technical expertise, and offering real value. Language-based targeting provides a practical framework to connect with developers, as highlighted by this observation:

"No one looks 'lame' using Cursor right now. No one gets in trouble for setting up Stripe." - Ceci and Paige, Calyx

Conclusion: Using Language Trends for Success

As we've explored, keeping an eye on language trends plays a crucial role in shaping strategies for technology and marketing. The data from 2025 highlights patterns that developers, marketers, and organizations can use to maintain an edge in the fast-evolving tech world.

Key Takeaways

The 2025 programming landscape offers several insights to guide future approaches:

• Python remains the go-to language for AI and data science, holding its dominant position in these fields.
• JavaScript continues to be the backbone of web development, powering over 98.9% of websites globally and staying the most widely used language for the tenth year in a row.

Emerging languages are also gaining traction. For example, Go has climbed to 7th place in the TIOBE Index, up from 13th just a year ago. With over 90% developer satisfaction and adoption by companies like Google, Uber, and Dropbox, Go presents a strong opportunity for skill-building and focused marketing efforts.

The rise of containerization is another trend reshaping the developer ecosystem. Docker usage surged by 17 percentage points, influencing hiring priorities, tool preferences, and the skills developers need to stay relevant.

AI-assisted tools are becoming a game-changer. A staggering 92% of developers using these tools report faster development times, and 88% note increased productivity. The growing popularity of frameworks like FastAPI - up by 5 points - reflects a shift toward Python-powered APIs optimized for AI and machine learning applications.

Market dynamics also paint an evolving picture. TypeScript is seeing broader enterprise adoption, thanks to features like enhanced variable initialization checks and ECMAScript 2024 support in its 5.7 version. Meanwhile, C# usage is declining as development moves away from Windows-centric environments. These trends highlight the need for ongoing adaptability and targeted strategies.

Staying Current with Developer Trends

To thrive in this dynamic environment, keeping up with trends is non-negotiable. The most forward-thinking organizations prioritize continuous learning, understanding that language preferences directly affect hiring costs, project timelines, and competitive positioning.

Developer communities like GitHub, Stack Overflow, and Reddit offer real-time insights into emerging technologies and fading trends. For instance, the consistently high satisfaction rates among Go developers - over 90% - signal both potential hiring challenges and opportunities for growth.

Platform-specific tools are also invaluable. For example, daily.dev Ads allows precise targeting based on developer behavior and language preferences, moving beyond basic demographics to engage directly with developers working in specific fields.

The definition of "developer" is also expanding. Gartner predicts that by 2025, citizen developers will outnumber traditional developers 4 to 1 in large organizations, driven by low-code and no-code platforms. This growing pool creates fresh opportunities for products and services aimed at a broader audience while still maintaining technical relevance.

Timing is critical. Languages experiencing rapid growth offer a prime chance for early engagement. Companies that establish themselves as thought leaders and active community members during these growth periods often gain long-term advantages.

FAQs

Why is Python the most popular programming language in 2025, and what makes it stand out?

Python has solidified its place as the most popular programming language in 2025, thanks to its central role in driving advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and data science. Its clean, straightforward syntax makes it beginner-friendly, while still providing the depth and power needed for complex, high-level projects.

What sets Python apart is its vast library ecosystem and a highly active developer community. These resources make it perfect for quickly building and integrating with the latest technologies. From automating repetitive tasks to creating web applications or processing enormous datasets, Python’s adaptability keeps it at the forefront for developers across a wide range of industries.

How are programming languages like Rust and Go influencing development in 2025, and which industries are adopting them the most?

In 2025, Rust and Go are shaping the programming world in big ways. Rust stands out for its emphasis on performance, memory safety, and scalability, making it a favorite for creating secure and high-performing systems. It's being widely adopted in fields like cybersecurity, enterprise software, and government projects. On the other hand, Go is praised for its straightforwardness and speed, making it a go-to for cloud computing, microservices, and infrastructure development. Its efficiency and reliability make it a trusted choice for tech companies and startups.

Industries such as cloud services, cybersecurity, and enterprise infrastructure are at the forefront of adopting these languages. Their ability to manage complex, large-scale systems while maintaining safety and performance has made them indispensable. Both Rust and Go continue to draw developers and businesses eager to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Why are older programming languages like PHP and C# becoming less popular, and what does this mean for developers who use them?

The waning interest in older programming languages like PHP and C# can largely be attributed to the growing dominance of newer languages that better meet the demands of today’s development landscape. Take Python and Java, for instance - these languages are gaining traction because they excel in areas like AI, machine learning, and cloud computing. On the other hand, PHP is often tied to legacy systems and smaller-scale projects, while C# faces stiff competition as developers lean toward tools with broader, more versatile applications.

For developers who primarily work with PHP or C#, this shift underscores the need to evolve. Broadening your expertise to include newer languages or frameworks can be a smart move to stay relevant as the industry embraces technologies that are shaping the future.

Related Blog Posts

• Global Developer Behavior: Key Regional Insights
• Programming Language Trends in Open Source
• Global Programming Language Rankings Explained
• Programming Language Trends in Higher Education