META DESCRIPTION: Explore programming language trends and developer tools news from July 9–16, 2025, including Ada’s comeback, Python’s dominance, and shifts in software engineering.

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

Introduction: When Old Languages Learn New Tricks

If you thought the world of programming languages was a slow-moving parade of familiar faces, this week’s news will make you think again. Between July 9 and July 16, 2025, the developer community witnessed a surprising shakeup in the TIOBE Index, the industry’s closely watched barometer of programming language popularity. The headlines? Ada, a language old enough to have attended its own high school reunion several times over, muscled its way back into the top 10, sparking debates about security, legacy code, and the cyclical nature of tech trends[1][2][4].

Meanwhile, Python continued its reign as the undisputed champion of general-purpose programming, while other classic languages like Fortran and Delphi jostled for position in the lower rungs of the leaderboard[1][4]. The week’s developments weren’t just about nostalgia—they revealed deeper industry currents: a renewed focus on security, a preference for proven technologies, and a subtle but significant shift in how developers and organizations are thinking about the future of software engineering.

In this week’s roundup, we’ll unpack:

• Ada’s unexpected resurgence and what it signals for security-focused development
• The enduring dominance of Python and the resilience of classic languages
• Why newer darlings like Rust and Kotlin are losing ground
• How these trends could impact your next project—or your career

So grab your favorite debugging snack and let’s dive into a week where the past and future of programming collided in fascinating ways.

Ada’s Comeback: Security, Safety, and the Return of the “Old Guard”

It’s not every day that a language born in the early 1980s makes headlines, but Ada has done just that. According to the July 2025 TIOBE Index, Ada surged into the top 10, unseating Fortran and sparking a flurry of discussion across developer forums and industry events[1][2][4].

“Ada’s rise is no fluke,” says Paul Jansen, CEO of TIOBE Software. “Its focus on security and reliability is driving renewed interest, especially in safety-critical sectors like avionics and automotive.”[1]

Why Ada, Why Now?

• Security First: In an era of escalating cyber threats, Ada’s strict type system and compile-time checks are more relevant than ever. Its design minimizes common programming errors, making it a favorite for systems where failure is not an option[1].
• Industry Adoption: Reports indicate that both the avionics and automotive industries are revisiting Ada for new projects. Even Nvidia is reportedly experimenting with Ada for certain safety-critical applications[1].
• Community Buzz: Developer events this summer have seen a spike in Ada-related sessions and workshops, suggesting that the interest isn’t just academic—it’s practical and growing[1][3].

The Debate

Not everyone is convinced. Some critics question whether the TIOBE Index’s methodology truly reflects real-world usage, or if Ada’s rise is a statistical blip[1]. But the consensus among industry watchers is clear: security is back at the top of the agenda, and Ada’s design makes it uniquely suited to meet that demand.

Python’s Unshakeable Lead: The Language That Ate the World

While Ada’s comeback grabbed headlines, Python quietly continued its dominance, holding the number one spot in the TIOBE Index by a wide margin[4]. Its versatility—spanning web development, data science, AI, and automation—makes it the Swiss Army knife of programming languages.

Why Python Remains King

• General-Purpose Power: From back-end development to machine learning, Python’s readable syntax and massive ecosystem keep it indispensable[4].
• Community and Resources: The sheer volume of libraries, frameworks, and educational materials makes Python the go-to language for both beginners and seasoned pros[4].
• Industry Endorsement: Major tech companies and startups alike continue to invest in Python-based solutions, ensuring its relevance for years to come[4].

The Broader Context

Python’s continued success highlights a broader trend: developers are sticking with what works. In a world of constant change, reliability and familiarity are powerful assets[4].

The Resilience of Classic Languages: Fortran, Delphi, and the Battle for the Top 10

The lower half of the TIOBE top 10 has become a battleground for classic languages. Fortran, Delphi/Object Pascal, and Visual Basic are all vying for relevance, with Fortran slipping to 12th place this month and Delphi dropping in popularity[4].

What’s Driving This Shuffle?

• Legacy Systems: Many industries still rely on codebases written in these languages, especially in scientific computing (Fortran) and enterprise applications (Delphi, Visual Basic)[4].
• Talent Shortages: As older developers retire, organizations are scrambling to find or train new talent to maintain and modernize these systems[4].
• Incremental Innovation: Rather than wholesale rewrites, many companies are opting to incrementally update existing code, keeping these languages in active use[4].

The Perl Factor

One surprise contender is Perl, which has been steadily climbing the ranks since February and now sits just outside the top 10. Its resurgence is a reminder that, in programming, no language ever truly dies—it just waits for the right moment to shine again[4].

The Decline of the Newcomers: Where Are Rust, Kotlin, Dart, and Julia?

If you expected to see Rust, Kotlin, Dart, or Julia climbing the charts, think again. Despite their buzz in recent years, these languages have lost momentum in 2025[4].

“Apparently, established languages are hot,” observes TIOBE’s Paul Jansen, noting that developers are flocking back to proven technologies rather than betting on the latest trends[4].

Why the Slowdown?

• Shifting Priorities: With security and reliability in the spotlight, organizations are less willing to take risks on newer, less battle-tested languages[4].
• Platform Changes: Kotlin, once the darling of Android development, has seen its star fade as Google and the broader ecosystem shift priorities[4].
• Resource Constraints: Learning and adopting new languages requires time and investment—luxuries many teams can’t afford amid tight deadlines and shrinking budgets[4].

Analysis & Implications: What This Week’s Programming Language News Means for Developers

The events of this week reveal a software engineering landscape in transition. Security and stability are trumping novelty, and organizations are doubling down on languages with proven track records.

Key Trends

• Return to Reliability: The resurgence of Ada and the resilience of Python, Fortran, and Delphi suggest a collective move toward technologies that are well-understood and trusted[1][4].
• Security as a Differentiator: As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, languages that prioritize safety and error prevention are gaining favor, especially in regulated industries[1][4].
• Legacy Isn’t a Dirty Word: Maintaining and modernizing existing codebases is now seen as a strategic advantage, not a liability[4].
• Cautious Innovation: While new languages aren’t disappearing, their adoption is slowing as teams weigh the risks and rewards more carefully[4].

Real-World Impact

For developers, these trends mean:

• Upskilling in classic languages could open unexpected career doors, especially in industries like aerospace, automotive, and finance[1][4].
• Security expertise is more valuable than ever—understanding how language choice impacts system safety can set you apart[1].
• Staying adaptable remains key: while the pendulum has swung back to the classics, the next big shift could be just around the corner[4].

Conclusion: The Past Is Prologue—But the Future Is Still Unwritten

This week’s programming language news is a reminder that in software engineering, what’s old can become new again. Ada’s comeback, Python’s dominance, and the resilience of classic languages all point to an industry that values reliability, security, and continuity—even as it keeps one eye on the horizon.

As you plan your next project or consider your next career move, ask yourself: Are you betting on the tried-and-true, or are you ready to champion the next big thing? In the end, the best developers aren’t just fluent in code—they’re fluent in change.

References

[1] Ada Programming Language Makes a Comeback as Industry Shifts Towards Security. (2025, July 15). Ainvest. https://www.ainvest.com/news/ada-programming-language-comeback-industry-shifts-security-2507/

[2] Why is 40-year-old programming language Ada hot again? (2025, July 14). Developer Tech. https://www.developer-tech.com/news/why-is-40-year-old-programming-language-ada-hot-again/

[3] AdaCore Digest - March 2025. (2025, March 1). AdaCore. https://www.adacore.com/uploads/digest/AdaCore-Digest-March-2025.pdf

[4] March 2025 TIOBE Index: Legacy 'Dinosaur' Languages Are Making a Comeback. (2025, March 11). TechRepublic. https://www.techrepublic.com/article/tiobe-index-march-2025-legacy-programming-languages/