Python Rises as GitHub's Most Popular Language (2014-2024)

Python Rises as GitHub's Most Popular Language (2014-2024)

Python's Dominance on GitHub

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Overview

  • Title of the Chart:

    • The chart is titled "Python is the number one language on GitHub", highlighting Python's popularity.
  • Time Frame:

    • The chart spans from 2014 to 2024, showing trends over a decade.

Key Observations

Python's Rise

  • Number One Position:
    • Python holds the top position in GitHub language rankings as of 2024.
    • It surpassed other languages like JavaScript, which indicates its increasing applicability and user base.

Rankings Over Time

  • Language Trends:
    • Python has consistently increased or maintained its upward trajectory since 2014, eventually securing the top spot.
    • JavaScript remains strong, often battling Python for the top position.
    • TypeScript, Java, C#, and others demonstrate steady usage, but none have overtaken Python post-2020.

Other Language Insights

  • Objective-C and Ruby:

    • These languages show declining trends, reflecting shifts in development focus and platform preferences.
    • Objective-C's decline likely correlates with Apple's transition to Swift for iOS development.
  • Emerging and Niche Languages:

    • TypeScript shows growth, suggesting a move towards more robust JavaScript tooling.
    • C++, PHP, Shell, C, and Go maintain middle to lower rankings, which could still represent robust but niche use cases.

Additional Insights

  • Developer Community:
    • The chart ranks languages by the count of distinct users contributing, emphasizing community size and activity.
    • An active community often means better support, more libraries, and a richer ecosystem.

Table of Language Rankings

Year1st2nd3rd4th5th6th7th8th9th10th
2014JavaScriptJavaPHPC#C++RubyObj-CShellGoC
2016JavaJavaScriptPythonPHPC#C++Obj-CGoShellRuby
2018JavaScriptPythonJavaC#PHPC++RubyGoShellObj-C
2020PythonJavaScriptTypeScriptJavaC#PHPC++RubyShellObj-C
2022PythonJavaScriptTypeScriptJavaC#PHPC++GoShellRuby
2024PythonJavaScriptTypeScriptJavaC#C++PHPShellCGo

This table provides a concise view of language popularity and shifts over the decade as perceived from GitHub contributors.

Extended readings:

github.blog
Octoverse: AI leads Python to top language as the number of global ...
madnight.github.io
GitHut 2.0 - Github Language Stats
octoverse.github.com
The top programming languages - GitHub Octoverse