Tiobe analysts believe that within three to four years' time, Python will "probably replace C and Java" to become the most popular programming language in the world.

Programming languages: Python could soon overtake C and Java as most popular Python is battling for pole position, but Rust and TypeScript have made notable gains in popularity over the past year.

For the first time in the history of TIOBE's index, Java has slipped out of the top two, leaving Python to occupy the spot behind reigning champion, C.

Java has a lot going for it, but it's not the top language for data science. Java professionals may want to familiarize themselves with Python or R for data science workflows.