The October TIOBE Programming Community Index brought a few quiet but meaningful shifts. Python remains firmly in the lead despite a slight dip, while C and C++ traded places for the runner-up spot. Perl, which made a surprise leap into the top 10 last month, has slipped back out just as quickly, making room for SQL’s return to the leaderboard.

The TIOBE Index is an indicator of the most popular programming languages within a given month. Each month, we analyze the patterns and changes in the index, with a particular focus on the top ten.

Top 10 programming languages in October 2025

According to the TIOBE Programming Community Index, the following are the top 10 programming languages in October 2025.

1. Python: A general-purpose programming language commonly used for back-end development and data science. It is a good programming language for beginners.

2. C: A programming language often used in app and system development. Its syntax is similar to other popular languages, making it a useful branching-off point for beginner developers.

3. C++: Very similar to C, with the addition of classes and objects. C++ is well-suited for game and system development. It may be relatively difficult to learn.

4. Java: An exceptionally good language for AI, app, and web development. Java requires relatively advanced skills to learn.

5. C#: Used in app, game, and web development, C# is an object- and component-oriented programming language similar to the C and Java language families.

6. JavaScript: A scripting language often used for app, game, and web development as well as web servers. JavaScript is simpler and more flexible than Java, which makes it inappropriate for some programming tasks but often easier to learn.

7. Visual Basic: A programming language with a drag-and-drop user interface that is useful for front-end and full-stack development. Visual Basic is designed to be easy to use.

8. Go: A relatively easy-to-learn language suitable for back-end development and working with APIs and web services.

9. Delphi/Object Pascal: A general-purpose, object-oriented programming language derived from Pascal and commonly paired with the Delphi compiler. It is often used for desktop application development and is designed to be straightforward and beginner-friendly when learned alongside Delphi.

10. SQL: A domain-specific language used to manage and query relational databases. SQL is widely adopted for data analysis and back-end development, and its simple, declarative syntax makes it beginner-friendly.

Notable movements in the top 10 list in October

Python’s lead narrowed slightly in October, slipping from 25.98% in September to 24.45%. Despite the dip, it remains the clear frontrunner and is still up 2.55% compared to the same time last year.

Further down the rankings, C moved past C++ to take second place after a modest gain, while C++ slid to third following a notable drop in share. Java also lost some ground but held its position at fourth.

Delphi/Object Pascal held steady at ninth with a slight increase to 1.86%. SQL re-entered the top 10 at tenth place with 1.77%, edging out Perl, which fell from the list after its September surge.

Top 10 programming languages in September 2025

1. Python
2. C++
3. C
4. Java
5. C#
6. JavaScript
7. Visual Basic
8. Go
9. Delphi/Object Pascal
10. Perl

Top 10 programming languages in August 2025

1. Python
2. C++
3. C
4. Java
5. C#
6. JavaScript
7. Visual Basic
8. Go
9. Perl
10. Delphi/Object Pascal

Top 10 programming languages in July 2025

1. Python
2. C++
3. C
4. Java
5. C#
6. JavaScript
7. Go
8. Visual Basic
9. Ada
10. Delphi/Object Pascal

Top 10 programming languages in June 2025

1. Python
2. C++
3. C
4. Java
5. C#
6. JavaScript
7. Go
8. Visual Basic
9. Delphi/Object Pascal
10. Fortran

Top 10 programming languages in May 2025

1. Python
2. C++
3. C
4. Java
5. C#
6. JavaScript
7. Go
8. Visual Basic
9. Delphi/Object Pascal
10. SQL

What is the TIOBE Index?

The TIOBE Index’s proprietor, TIOBE Software CEO Paul Jansen, notes the index is not a prize for the “best” language or a list of programming languages with the most code has been written. Instead, he uses popular search engines to determine which languages are most used among professional programmers, programming courses, and third-party vendors.

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