IEEE Spectrum has consistently ranked the popularity of programming languages, but recent developments suggest that this ranking might be facing an unprecedented challenge. The rise of AI tools like large language models (LLMs) and code assistants like Cursor is reshaping how developers approach programming. As these tools become more sophisticated, the need for traditional resources such as Stack Exchange is diminishing. Developers are now turning to private conversations with AI assistants for help, reducing the reliance on public forums for answers.
A significant change in the way programming is done is evident in the declining number of questions posted on Stack Exchange. In 2025, the number of questions posted per week was just 22% of what it was in 2024. This indicates a fundamental shift in the way developers interact with their code and seek solutions. The article suggests that the importance of specific programming languages may become less relevant as AI tools can handle much of the coding and debugging tasks.
The article raises important questions about the future of programming language rankings. As developers increasingly rely on AI for their coding needs, the relevance of these rankings might diminish. The piece speculates that the popularity of different languages could become as obscure as the relative popularity of railway track gauges. This shift could lead to a new era in programming where the focus is more on the capabilities of AI tools rather than the specific language used.
The potential implications of this transformation are significant. The article questions whether new programming languages will ever gain enough traction to impact the current landscape. As AI continues to evolve, the role of the programmer may shift from writing code to designing systems and algorithms. The emphasis on fundamentals in computer science degrees may rise, with a greater focus on understanding the underlying principles rather than mastering specific languages.
Despite these changes, IEEE Spectrum continues to rank programming languages based on several criteria, including use among working programmers, demand from employers, and trending in the zeitgeist. The latest rankings show Python maintaining its top position, while JavaScript’s drop in popularity may be attributed to the influence of AI. The article suggests that the future of programming language rankings will need to adapt to the changing dynamics of AI integration, ensuring that the metrics used are relevant to the evolving landscape of software development.
As the industry moves toward an AI-driven future, the focus will shift from the syntax and semantics of programming languages to the ability of AI tools to assist in the development process. While the traditional rankings may lose their significance, the role of programming will evolve to accommodate the new technologies and paradigms that are emerging. The challenge for the industry will be to determine what metrics are most useful in measuring the popularity and impact of programming languages in this new era.