Python overtook Java for the first time in 2021. C is still hanging on at #4 after five decades.
How to Play: Guess if the language on the right has a HIGHER or LOWER TIOBE Index rating than the one on the left.
Name A
Name B
Top 10 Most Popular Programming Languages (TIOBE)
The TIOBE Index measures programming language popularity by aggregating search-engine results across 25 search engines. It does not measure code volume or job postings — instead, what people are actively researching. The index has tracked language popularity since 2001.
| # | Name | TIOBE Index (%) | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Python | 16.50 | % |
| 2 | C++ | 10.90 | % |
| 3 | C | 10.10 | % |
| 4 | Java | 8.50 | % |
| 5 | C# | 6.70 | % |
| 6 | JavaScript | 3 | % |
| 7 | Visual Basic | 2.30 | % |
| 8 | SQL | 2.10 | % |
| 9 | Go | 2 | % |
| 10 | Fortran | 1.90 | % |
How Programming Languages Are Ranked
TIOBE’s methodology calculates the percentage of search-engine results referencing each language as a programming language. Results are normalized across 25 search engines including Google, Bing, Yahoo, Wikipedia, and YouTube. The index is published monthly.
Python’s rise has been the most striking shift of the past decade. In 2010 Python ranked 6th in TIOBE; by 2024 it sits firmly at #1. Drivers include data science (NumPy, Pandas), machine learning (TensorFlow, PyTorch), web development (Django, Flask), and education (its readable syntax makes it the default first language taught).
Old languages refuse to die. C, designed in 1972, is still in TIOBE’s top 5. COBOL (1959) still scores above many modern languages because it remains in mission-critical financial systems that banks and governments cannot afford to rewrite. Fortran (1957) is still used in scientific computing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most popular programming language?
Python, at about 16.5% of TIOBE Index — far ahead of C++, C, and Java.
Is Python really more popular than Java?
By TIOBE Index, yes — Python passed Java in 2021 and has expanded the lead since. Other rankings (GitHub stars, job postings) sometimes show Java still leading in enterprise.
How does TIOBE differ from other rankings?
TIOBE measures search results. Stack Overflow Developer Survey measures developer self-reporting. GitHub measures repository activity. Each captures different signals and can rank languages differently.
Should I learn Python or JavaScript?
Both are highly demanded. Python dominates data science and AI. JavaScript dominates web frontend. Python often easier for beginners; JavaScript essential for web work.
Note: TIOBE Index ratings are percentages of search results, normalized monthly. Values shift; recent snapshot used here.
More Wise Games to Try