Will Programming Languages from the 2010s Soon Become Obsolete? An Overview

The programming landscape of the 2010s decade saw the rise and dominance of certain languages, including Java, C, and Python. However, as we approach the modern era, the future of these languages—and others—is uncertain. In this article, we explore which programming languages from the 2010s might become obsolete in the near future.

The Decline of Java

Java has been a versatile language since its inception, with a vast array of applications from enterprise software to Android apps. However, over the years, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain its relevance. Although it has a robust Virtual Machine (VM) infrastructure, Java's reign may be coming to an end.

One of the main reasons for Java's decline is its slow evolution. While other languages have rapidly adapted to new trends and technologies, Java has remained relatively stagnant. Oracle, the primary owner of Java, has started to charge for its use, making it less attractive for large-scale projects.

The Rise of Python

Python, on the other hand, has gained significant traction in recent years. This dynamic and versatile language has become the go-to choice for data scientists, AI researchers, and web developers. Its easy-to-read syntax, extensive libraries, and broad community support make it a leading contender in the programming world.

As the popularity of Python continues to grow, its adaptability and ease of use make it a safer bet for the future. It is becoming increasingly clear that if a language like Python gains mainstream popularity, other languages might follow its success. In fact, many scripting languages are seeing a rise in usage and popularity.

Imperative vs Functional Programming

The future of programming may also hinge on the battle between imperative and functional programming paradigms. C, a language rooted in the imperative world, is facing challenges from new languages like Haskell, which falls under the functional programming category. Haskell's performance is already on par with C on modern hardware, a trend that could continue to grow.

If C loses its prominence, it could potentially drag down other imperative languages that have heavily influenced its development, including Java, C , and JavaScript. This shift could occur within the next 15 years.

Evolution of C

While some languages may become obsolete, others like C are evolving and adapting to new technologies. C's simplicity, power, and flexibility ensure its long-term survival. Though it is unlikely to disappear completely, C's evolution is crucial for its continued relevance.

The language has seen numerous updates, incorporating features from other languages while maintaining its core C style. These updates continue to make C a versatile and powerful language that can compile for almost any platform with a C compiler.

Other Languages on the Decline

Beyond C and Java, other languages such as Delphi (Pascal) are already in decline. While Delphi is still being sold, the language's popularity has waned over time, with no significant interest in learning it. In 15 years, it's highly likely that Delphi will be obsolete.

Interestingly, no language will completely die out. Even languages like Plankalkül, the first programming language, which was developed during World War II, still hold some historical significance in the evolution of programming languages. While they may not be widely used today, the concepts and ideas behind these languages contribute to the ongoing development of new programming languages.

Conclusion

The future of programming languages is uncertain, but it is clear that several languages from the 2010s are facing obsolescence. Java and Delphi are at risk of becoming outdated, while C is evolving and adapting. Meanwhile, Python is gaining traction and may continue to dominate the industry.

As we move forward, it is essential to stay informed about the latest trends and technologies to ensure your programming skills remain relevant in the rapidly changing world of software development.