Programming languages: Python could soon overtake C and Java as most popular Python is battling for pole position, but Rust and TypeScript have made notable gains in popularity over the past year.

For the first time in the history of TIOBE's index, Java has slipped out of the top two, leaving Python to occupy the spot behind reigning champion, C.

A big new developer survey shows that Python has finally passed Java in the programming language popularity wars, propelled by its propensity for use in machine learning and data science projects.

Tiobe analysts believe that within three to four years' time, Python will "probably replace C and Java" to become the most popular programming language in the world.