RedMonk, a well-known developer-focused analysis and advisory firm, has released its latest biannual rankings of programming language popularity, revealing the persistent dominance of JavaScript, Python, and Java among developers. In their latest report, the firm has noted that the top 20 languages have remained largely unchanged over the past decade, with only minor fluctuations such as the rise of TypeScript and Python, and the decline of Ruby in the rankings. The report outlines the historical rankings, with JavaScript consistently holding the number one position, except in two early rankings when it briefly ranked behind Java. Python has steadily climbed in popularity, overtaking both PHP and Java in 2020, marking a significant shift in the landscape of programming languages. The report also highlights the growing influence of TypeScript, which has seen a notable surge in usage, especially with the increased adoption of modern web applications and frameworks.
Meanwhile, the firm has also considered the impact of Stack Overflow on its rankings, acknowledging the site’s declining user base and decreasing activity. Stack Overflow has long been a key data source for RedMonk’s rankings, but the recent decline in question volume has led to questions about the accuracy and relevance of the data used. The report notes that the number of questions on Stack Overflow has dropped to about 10% of its peak levels, largely attributed to the rise of AI coding assistants such as ChatGPT. This decline has prompted RedMonk to evaluate its reliance on Stack Overflow data, as it questions whether the data still reflects the current trends in developer behavior. The report acknowledges the value of long-term data for identifying trends over a decade but expresses concern about the validity of using an increasingly outdated dataset. While RedMonk has not abandoned Stack Overflow as a data source, it is actively exploring alternative options to replace or supplement the data to ensure the accuracy and relevance of its rankings. This evaluation process is part of a broader conversation within the developer community about the changing landscape of programming language usage and how to best measure and track these trends.
The report also emphasizes the significance of the latest rankings, which show that Ruby has moved steadily down the list, while C# has maintained its position in the top 5 since 2014. C++ and CSS have remained competitive with C#, while Swift and R have also claimed positions in the top 10. The report highlights the stability of these rankings, noting that the long-term trends are valuable for understanding the broader evolution of programming languages over time. However, the report also underscores the need for a more dynamic and up-to-date data source to accurately reflect current practices and technologies. As AI continues to reshape the development landscape, the challenge for analysts like RedMonk is to adapt their methodologies to stay relevant and provide meaningful insights into the evolving world of software development. With the rise of AI and the changing habits of developers, the future of programming language rankings may rely on new data sources and alternative metrics that better capture the current state of the field. RedMonk’s ongoing evaluation of its data sources is a critical step in ensuring the continued relevance and accuracy of its rankings for the developer community.