Why Are Older Languages Like Fortran and Delphi Rising Again?

Article Highlights
Off On

In a world where technology evolves at a breakneck pace and new programming languages pop up routinely, it may seem counterintuitive that older languages like Fortran and Delphi are experiencing a resurgence. Based on the latest Tiobe index of programming language popularity, these so-called “dinosaur” languages are once again vying for a position in the top 10. As of March 2025, Delphi/Object Pascal holds the 10th position, with Fortran following closely at 11th. It’s not just these two languages seeing renewed interest; others such as Ada and Cobol are climbing the ranks, sitting at 18th and 20th respectively. This peculiar trend raises questions about what is driving the need for these older languages to maintain, and even regain, popularity in today’s technologically advanced landscape.

The resurgence of older programming languages, seemingly at odds with the rapidly innovating tech world, is primarily driven by the indispensable need to maintain crucial legacy systems. These systems, often built on languages like Fortran and Delphi, are still vital parts of many industries. As the core developers who originally created and maintained these systems begin to retire, companies face a pivotal decision. According to Tiobe CEO Paul Jansen, rather than overhauling established systems with newer, more modern languages, many companies find it more efficient to maintain and even expand their existing systems. The reliability, robustness, and specific context in which these older languages operate continue to make them relevant, and even vital, in certain sectors.

The Tiobe Index and Legacy Systems

The Tiobe index rates programming languages based on various factors, including the number of competent engineers, availability of courses, and third-party vendor support. Search engines like Google and Bing are among the resources utilized in compiling this index. For March 2025, the Tiobe index showcases an intriguing variety in popular languages, with Python leading the way at a 23.85% rating. Following Python are C++ at 11.08%, Java at 10.36%, C at 9.53%, and C# at 4.87%. The remaining top 10 includes JavaScript, Go, SQL, Visual Basic, and Delphi/Object Pascal.

Interestingly, a comparison with the Pypl Popularity of Programming Language index, which ranks languages based on Google search frequency, shows a similar pattern. Python is once again at the forefront with a whopping 30.27% share. Other top contenders listed include Java, JavaScript, C/C++, and C#. Despite newer languages entering the fray, older languages continue to hold significant positions, underscoring their ongoing importance in the technology ecosystem.

This pattern reflects a common theme: the sustained importance of older programming languages is due to their pivotal role in existing systems. Companies, bracing for the retirement of experienced developers, are hesitant to transition to newer languages. Instead, they opt to maintain and update their legacy systems, effectively prioritizing stability and continuity over flashy innovations. As a result, languages like Fortran and Delphi are not just surviving but thriving, affirming a broader trend toward ensuring reliability and consistency in critical technological areas.

Explore more

Why is LinkedIn the Go-To for B2B Advertising Success?

In an era where digital advertising is fiercely competitive, LinkedIn emerges as a leading platform for B2B marketing success due to its expansive user base and unparalleled targeting capabilities. With over a billion users, LinkedIn provides marketers with a unique avenue to reach decision-makers and generate high-quality leads. The platform allows for strategic communication with key industry figures, a crucial

Endpoint Threat Protection Market Set for Strong Growth by 2034

As cyber threats proliferate at an unprecedented pace, the Endpoint Threat Protection market emerges as a pivotal component in the global cybersecurity fortress. By the close of 2034, experts forecast a monumental rise in the market’s valuation to approximately US$ 38 billion, up from an estimated US$ 17.42 billion. This analysis illuminates the underlying forces propelling this growth, evaluates economic

How Will ICP’s Solana Integration Transform DeFi and Web3?

The collaboration between the Internet Computer Protocol (ICP) and Solana is poised to redefine the landscape of decentralized finance (DeFi) and Web3. Announced by the DFINITY Foundation, this integration marks a pivotal step in advancing cross-chain interoperability. It follows the footsteps of previous successful integrations with Bitcoin and Ethereum, setting new standards in transactional speed, security, and user experience. Through

Embedded Finance Ecosystem – A Review

In the dynamic landscape of fintech, a remarkable shift is underway. Embedded finance is taking the stage as a transformative force, marking a significant departure from traditional financial paradigms. This evolution allows financial services such as payments, credit, and insurance to seamlessly integrate into non-financial platforms, unlocking new avenues for service delivery and consumer interaction. This review delves into the

Certificial Launches Innovative Vendor Management Program

In an era where real-time data is paramount, Certificial has unveiled its groundbreaking Vendor Management Partner Program. This initiative seeks to transform the cumbersome and often error-prone process of insurance data sharing and verification. As a leader in the Certificate of Insurance (COI) arena, Certificial’s Smart COI Network™ has become a pivotal tool for industries relying on timely insurance verification.