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.

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.

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.

For the first time in two decades, Python beat Java to become the second-most popular programming language this month, according to the TIOBE Programming Community Index.

This is how C++ and Java came to supplant Pascal, a popular language for teaching programming in the 1980s. Python possesses a mix of qualities that makes it a good candidate for universities.