13. June 2025
Sql Language Plummeting As Nosql Databases Dominate Ai Landscape
The TIOBE Programming Community Index, a widely recognized benchmark of programming language popularity, has revealed a concerning trend in the software development landscape. In its June 2025 edition, SQL, a fundamental language for working with databases, has plummeted to its lowest position since the rankings began in 2001, taking the 12th spot.
The decline is attributed to the increasing adoption of NoSQL databases, particularly in the realm of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications. The TIOBE Programming Community Index provides an insightful look into the trends shaping the programming landscape, with search engine volume serving as its primary metric. According to Paul Jansen, CEO of TIOBE Software, SQL will remain the backbone and lingua franca of databases for decades to come. However, in the burgeoning field of AI, where data is often unstructured and lacks the rigid structure provided by traditional relational databases, NoSQL databases have emerged as a more suitable choice.
NoSQL databases, with their flexible data interchange formats such as JSON and XML, are better suited to handle the dynamic and complex nature of modern software applications. The use of NoSQL in AI applications has led to a significant shift in market share, with SQL’s popularity dwindling as a result. As Jansen noted, “NoSQL’s popularity is comparable to the rise of dynamically typed languages such as Python if compared to well-defined statically typed programming languages such as C++ and Java.”
The decline of SQL’s popularity is not an isolated phenomenon; it has been on a downward trajectory since February 2025. In May, SQL garnered 1.9% in TIOBE Software’s proprietary points system, while in June, its score dropped to 1.55%. This decrease reflects the broader trend in software development, where traditional languages are giving way to more agile and adaptable alternatives.
The rise of NoSQL has far-reaching implications for the software industry, as it challenges the long-held dominance of SQL. As Jansen pointed out, “NoSQL’s adoption is a testament to the evolving needs of software developers and users.” The shift towards NoSQL databases is driven by the need for more flexible and scalable solutions that can handle the vast amounts of unstructured data generated by modern applications.
Assembly Language, a fundamental component of low-level programming, may also be facing a similar decline. In the June 2025 TIOBE Index, Assembly Language dropped from 13th to 19th place year-over-year, with its popularity dwindling from 0.97% to 0.91%. This trend is attributed to the increasing adoption of higher-level languages and the decreasing need for direct hardware manipulation.
Visual Basic and Delphi/Object Pascal, on the other hand, have emerged as bright spots in the TIOBE Index. Both languages saw significant increases in popularity year-over-year, with Visual Basic rising from 24th to 16th place and Delphi/Object Pascal climbing from 22nd to 14th. These gains reflect the ongoing demand for easy-to-use and versatile development environments that can simplify software creation.
The TIOBE Programming Community Index serves as a valuable benchmark for understanding the evolving landscape of programming languages. As software development continues to evolve, it is essential to stay informed about the trends shaping this ever-changing field. By examining the June 2025 edition of the index, developers and industry observers can gain insight into the shifting sands of programming language popularity.
The TIOBE Index’s findings have important implications for software developers, educators, and researchers alike. As the use of NoSQL databases becomes increasingly widespread, it is essential to develop skills in these emerging technologies. Moreover, as Assembly Language continues its decline, developers must consider alternative approaches for low-level programming. The rise of Visual Basic and Delphi/Object Pascal offers opportunities for innovation and growth, highlighting the importance of staying adaptable in an ever-changing software development landscape.
The significant shift in programming language popularity revealed by the TIOBE Index has significant implications for the future of software development. As NoSQL databases continue to gain traction, developers must reassess their skill sets and adapt to emerging trends. By examining the index’s findings, we can gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of software development and stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly changing industry.
In recent years, the demand for programming languages with flexible and scalable solutions has been on the rise. NoSQL databases have emerged as a key player in this trend, offering developers more efficient ways to handle complex data sets. As the use of NoSQL continues to grow, it is essential for developers to develop skills in these emerging technologies.
The decline of SQL’s popularity also highlights the importance of adaptability in software development. As traditional languages give way to more agile and adaptable alternatives, developers must be prepared to pivot and adjust their skill sets accordingly. This requires a deep understanding of the evolving landscape of programming languages and a commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies.
The rise of Visual Basic and Delphi/Object Pascal offers opportunities for innovation and growth in software development. These languages have emerged as bright spots in the TIOBE Index, reflecting the ongoing demand for easy-to-use and versatile development environments that can simplify software creation. As developers continue to explore these emerging technologies, they can unlock new possibilities for building complex and innovative software applications.
In conclusion, the TIOBE Programming Community Index has revealed a significant shift in programming language popularity, with SQL falling to its lowest position since 2001. The rise of NoSQL databases has far-reaching implications for the software industry, challenging the long-held dominance of SQL. By examining the index’s findings and staying informed about emerging trends, developers can stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly changing field.