Why Python Leads IEEE’s 2023 Language Rankings—and What It Means for Developers

IEEE, the world’s largest professional technical organization, released its 2023 (10th) annual top programming language list through the IEEE Spectrum brand.

Python Remains the Dominant Language

In the new IEEE ranking, Python continues to hold the #1 spot in both the “Spectrum” and “Trend” dimensions, followed by Java, C++, and C. IEEE notes that Python not only stays first but also expands its lead.

Python is now a truly versatile language, driving AI and machine‑learning development thanks to extensive libraries such as TensorFlow and PyTorch. Although its interpreter has higher memory overhead, even low‑cost CPUs can run Python, making it a contender in embedded development.

Long‑term, Python’s dominance is likely to persist as many children and teenagers start coding with it, later transitioning to advanced fields and professional engineering roles.

SQL Climbs to the Top for Job Relevance

IEEE ranks SQL statements as the most frequently used language in the workplace, reflecting the reality that virtually every software project interacts with a database.

While SQL may not be the most glamorous language, having SQL experience is described as a valuable arrow in a developer’s quiver.

How IEEE Differs from Other Rankings

Other surveys such as RedMonk, JetBrains, and Stack Overflow use different methodologies. For example, Stack Overflow’s 2023 survey, based on about 90,000 developers, places JavaScript first, HTML/CSS second, and Python third.

IEEE’s methodology combines manual and API data collection across eight indicators—Google searches, Stack Overflow questions, IEEE Digital Library mentions, IEEE job site listings, CareerBuilder data, GitHub repositories, published programming books, and server deployments—each weighted subjectively.

Limitations of Language Rankings

All rankings, including IEEE’s, reflect trends but do not definitively answer which language is the most popular overall. Survey‑based results can be biased by respondents’ self‑reporting, and some languages (e.g., HTML/CSS, SQL) are not general‑purpose programming languages.

Nevertheless, Python’s rise remains striking despite performance drawbacks, and its widespread adoption in education and AI continues to fuel its growth.