META DESCRIPTION: Python’s record-breaking lead, SQL’s historic drop, Fortran’s resurgence, and JuliaHub’s Dyad launch mark a transformative week for programming languages in 2025.

Programming Languages in Flux: The Week That Shook Developer Tools & Software Engineering

Introduction: When Old Dogs Learn New Tricks (and New Dogs Shake Up the Kennel)

If you thought programming languages were as static as the syntax in your first “Hello, World!” script, this week’s news will make you think again. Between June 18 and June 25, 2025, the world of developer tools and software engineering saw a flurry of activity that upended old hierarchies, revived classic contenders, and introduced bold new players. From Python’s iron grip on the top spot to SQL’s historic tumble and the birth of Dyad—a language aiming to make hardware design as breezy as software—this was a week that reminded us: in tech, the only constant is change.

Why do these shifts matter? Because the languages we use shape not just our code, but our careers, our products, and the very way we think about solving problems. This week’s stories aren’t just about numbers on a leaderboard—they’re about the evolving DNA of the software industry. In this roundup, we’ll unpack:

• Python’s record-breaking popularity and what it signals for the future of general-purpose programming
• The surprising fall of SQL and the unexpected resurgence of Fortran
• The launch of Dyad, a new language from JuliaHub, and its promise to bridge the gap between hardware and software
• The broader trends these stories reveal—and what they mean for developers, businesses, and the next wave of innovation

So grab your favorite debugging snack and let’s dive into the week that was, where every line of code seemed to tell a new story.

Python’s Unstoppable Rise: The Language That Ate the World

Python’s ascent in the TIOBE Programming Community Index this June wasn’t just another incremental gain—it was a record-shattering leap. With a 25.35% share, Python not only solidified its lead but also widened the gap over its nearest rival, C++, by more than 15 percentage points[3][5]. For context, this is the largest lead any language has held since the index began tracking in 2001, with only Java in the early 2000s coming close[3][5].

What’s fueling this dominance? Python’s versatility is legendary: it’s the lingua franca of data science, the backbone of machine learning, a favorite for web development, and increasingly, a go-to for automation and scripting. Its readable syntax and massive ecosystem make it accessible to beginners and indispensable to experts[2][5].

But there’s more to the story. Python’s rise is also a reflection of broader industry trends: the explosion of AI and data-driven applications, the democratization of programming through low-barrier languages, and the growing importance of rapid prototyping in a world that prizes agility[2][5].

Yet, Python’s dominance isn’t without caveats. Its interpreted nature and performance limitations mean that for safety-critical or real-time systems, lower-level languages like C and C++ still hold sway[3][5]. As one industry analyst quipped, “Python is eating the world—except for the parts that need to run at the speed of light or never, ever crash.”

For developers, this means Python skills are more valuable than ever—but it’s wise to keep an eye on the niches where other languages still reign supreme.

SQL’s Historic Drop and Fortran’s Comeback: When the Old Guard Shuffles

If Python’s rise was expected, SQL’s fall was anything but. For the first time since the TIOBE Index began, SQL dropped out of the top 10, landing at 12th place—a historic low for a language that has long been the backbone of data management[3]. The culprit? A combination of shifting industry priorities and the rise of new data paradigms.

As cloud-native architectures and NoSQL databases gain traction, the once-unassailable dominance of SQL is being challenged. While SQL remains essential for relational databases, its relative share of developer mindshare is shrinking as organizations diversify their data stacks[3].

But the real plot twist? The language that took SQL’s place in the top 10 wasn’t a hot new contender, but Fortran—a language first developed in the 1950s. Fortran’s resurgence is a testament to the enduring value of legacy code, especially in scientific computing, high-performance simulations, and industries where “if it ain’t broke, don’t rewrite it” is more than just a motto[3].

Other notable movers include Ada, which is inching closer to the top 10 thanks to its reputation for reliability in embedded and real-time systems, and Visual Basic and Delphi/Object Pascal, both of which saw year-over-year gains[3].

For developers, the lesson is clear: while it’s tempting to chase the latest trends, there’s real value in mastering the classics—especially if you’re working in domains where stability and performance trump novelty.

Dyad Debuts: JuliaHub’s Bold New Language for Hardware-Software Synergy

While the TIOBE Index chronicles the ebb and flow of established languages, this week also saw the birth of something entirely new: Dyad, a next-generation language from JuliaHub designed to make hardware design as intuitive as software development[4].

Dyad, which builds on the scientific machine learning (SciML) ecosystem of Julia, aims to unify multi-physics modeling, simulation, controls, and more into a single, accessible package. The goal? To lower the barriers between hardware and software, enabling engineers to prototype, simulate, and optimize complex systems without switching tools or languages[4].

The launch of Dyad Studio—a VS Code extension—underscores the project’s commitment to accessibility and integration with modern developer workflows. By choosing a source-available license, JuliaHub is also signaling its intent to foster a vibrant, open community around Dyad[4].

Why does this matter? As the boundaries between hardware and software blur—think IoT, robotics, and autonomous systems—the need for tools that bridge these worlds is more urgent than ever. Dyad’s debut could mark a turning point, making it easier for developers to move seamlessly from simulation to deployment, and for hardware specialists to tap into the power of modern software engineering practices.

For anyone working at the intersection of code and circuits, Dyad is a development worth watching—and perhaps, experimenting with.

Analysis & Implications: The Shifting Sands of Software Engineering

What do these stories tell us about the state of developer tools and programming languages in 2025? Several key trends emerge:

• Consolidation at the Top: Python’s dominance reflects a broader consolidation around languages that balance power, simplicity, and ecosystem support. For most general-purpose tasks, the industry is coalescing around a few giants.
• Resilience of the Classics: The resurgence of Fortran and the steady presence of languages like Ada and Visual Basic highlight the enduring value of mature, stable technologies—especially in domains where reliability is non-negotiable.
• Rise of Specialized Tools: The launch of Dyad points to a future where domain-specific languages and tools play a crucial role in bridging gaps between disciplines. As systems grow more complex, the need for languages that can handle multi-domain challenges will only increase.
• Evolving Data Paradigms: SQL’s decline signals a shift in how organizations manage and interact with data. The rise of NoSQL, cloud-native, and hybrid data solutions is reshaping the landscape, and developers who can navigate this complexity will be in high demand.

For businesses, these trends mean that technology choices are more strategic than ever. The right language or tool can accelerate innovation, reduce costs, and open new markets. For developers, the message is both reassuring and challenging: while mastering the fundamentals is still essential, staying curious and adaptable is the key to long-term success.

Conclusion: The Only Constant Is Change

This week’s programming language news is a vivid reminder that software engineering is a living, breathing ecosystem—one where yesterday’s giants can stumble, old favorites can stage comebacks, and bold newcomers can redraw the map overnight.

Whether you’re a Pythonista riding the wave, a Fortran veteran enjoying a renaissance, or an early adopter eager to try Dyad, the message is clear: keep learning, keep experimenting, and never assume the status quo will last. In the world of developer tools and programming languages, the next big shift is always just a commit away.

So, as you refactor your code or explore a new framework this week, ask yourself: What language will you bet on next—and how will you help shape the future of software engineering?

References

[1] Index.dev. (2025, March 13). 20 Most Popular Programming Languages in 2025. Retrieved from https://www.index.dev/blog/most-popular-programming-languages-

[2] Artsyl Technologies. (2025). Top Programming Languages of 2025: Trends & Evolution. Retrieved from https://www.artsyltech.com/blog/the-evolution-of-programming-languages-in-2025-most-popular-coding-languages-in-the-world

[3] TIOBE Software. (2025). TIOBE Index. Retrieved from https://www.tiobe.com/tiobe-index/

[4] JuliaHub. (2025, June 20). Newsletter June 2025 - Dyad: A New Language to Make Hardware ... Retrieved from https://juliahub.com/blog/newsletter-june-2025

[5] TechGig. (2025, May 13). Python Becomes the Most Popular Programming Language in 2025. Retrieved from https://content.techgig.com/technology/python-dominates-2025-programming-landscape-with-unprecedented-popularity/articleshow/121134781.cms