One of the most well-known programming languages, C, has dropped one place in the TIOBE index this month, currently holding the #4 position. This is its lowest ranking since the TIOBE index began in 2001. Is C losing its popularity? Known for being a relatively small programming language that produces highly performant code, C has been a favorite for embedded systems. However, some factors may be contributing to its recent decline.
C’s Limitations in Scaling
C’s main drawback lies in its scalability. While the language is great for smaller programs, larger C projects can become challenging to maintain due to the lack of object-oriented features. As embedded systems grow more functional, requiring larger codebases, there is a shift toward languages that offer better scalability, like C++. With more embedded compilers supporting C++, this trend is becoming more evident.
Additionally, companies are increasingly turning to memory-safe languages such as Rust as alternatives to C. This is driven, in part, by the U.S. government’s push to ban memory-unsafe languages, including C, in favor of safer options.
The Shift to Rust and C’s Future
Rust, which offers memory safety features, is gaining traction as companies seek to avoid security vulnerabilities associated with C, adds NIX Solutions. Despite these challenges, C’s immense install base and its presence in millions of mission-critical systems around the world suggest that it will remain in the top 10 of the TIOBE index for years to come.
We’ll keep you updated on further developments as this transition unfolds. Although C may be losing ground to other languages, it remains an essential tool for many developers.