TIOBE Programming Index News October 2025: C Edges Past C++ as SQL Returns to the Top 10

October’s TIOBE Index: Python still leads despite a dip to 24.45%. C edges past C++ for #2; Java holds #4. SQL returns to the top 10 as Perl drops out.

The October 2025 TIOBE Index saw a reshuffling beneath Python’s still-commanding lead. C moved ahead of C++ to reclaim the second spot, marking yet another turn in the race for the runner-up position. Meanwhile, SQL slipped back into the top 10 at tenth place, pushing Perl back out after its brief September comeback.

The TIOBE Programming Community Index tracks programming language popularity using search engine activity.

Shifts at the top

Python remains firmly in first place, though its rating dipped from 25.98% in September to 24.45% in October, a 1.53-point decline. Even so, it remains far ahead of ...