The tech world evolves at lightning speed, and programming languages are no exception. What’s hot today might be obsolete tomorrow. If you’re a developer, student, or tech enthusiast, you need to know which programming languages are on their way out—and what you should learn instead.
In this article, we’ll explore 5 programming languages that are likely to be dead by 2025, backed by data and trends. Plus, we’ll recommend the top languages to future-proof your career.
1. Perl: The Forgotten Scripting Language
Once a powerhouse for web development and system administration, Perl has been steadily declining. According to the TIOBE Index, Perl has fallen out of the top 20 programming languages.
Why It’s Dying:
Lack of modern frameworks and libraries
Python and Ruby have replaced it for scripting and automation.
What to Learn Instead: Python (versatile, easy to learn, and widely used in automation, AI, and web development).
2. COBOL: The Legacy Language
COBOL is still used in legacy systems (especially in banking and government), but its relevance is fading fast
Why It’s Dying:
Limited use outside legacy systems.
Fewer developers are learning COBOL, creating a skills gap.
What to Learn Instead: Java (widely used in enterprise applications and has a strong ecosystem).
3. Visual Basic: The Outdated Microsoft Language
Visual Basic (VB) was once a popular choice for Windows applications, but it’s now considered outdated.
Why It’s Dying:
Microsoft has shifted focus to C# and .NET Core.
Lack of modern features and community support
What to Learn Instead:C# (modern, powerful, and widely used for Windows and game development).
4. Objective-C: The Language Apple Left Behind
With the rise of Swift, Objective-C has become irrelevant for iOS and macOS development.
Why It’s Dying:
Lack of modern frameworks and libraries.
Python and Ruby have replaced it for scripting and automation.
What to Learn Instead: Python (versatile, easy to learn, and widely used in automation, AI, and web development).
5. Haskell: The Niche Functional Language
Haskell is a powerful functional programming language, but it’s too niche for mainstream adoption.
Why It’s Dying:
Steep learning curve and limited real-world applications.
Languages like Python and JavaScript are more accessible.
What to Learn Instead: JavaScript (versatile, easy to learn, and used for both front-end and back-end development).
What Should You Learn in 2025?
If you want to future-proof your career, focus on these top programming languages:
Python: Versatile and widely used in AI, data science, and web development.
JavaScript: Essential for front-end and back-end development
Go: Fast and efficient, perfect for cloud and backend development.
Rust: Gaining popularity for system-level programming.
Kotlin: The future of Android development.
Conclusion
The programming landscape is constantly changing, and staying ahead of the curve is crucial. While some languages are on their way out, others are rising to take their place. By focusing on future-proof languages like Python, JavaScript, and Go, you’ll ensure your skills remain relevant in 2025 and beyond.
What do you think? Are there any languages you’d add to this list?
Frequently asked questions
1. Why do programming languages become obsolete?
Programming languages become obsolete due to:
Lack of community support.
Emergence of better alternatives.
Changes in industry trends and technologies
.
2. Should I still learn a dying language like COBOL?
Only if you’re working in industries that rely on legacy systems (e.g., banking or government). Otherwise, focus on modern languages like Python or Java.
3. How can I stay updated with programming trends?
Follow industry reports like the Stack Overflow Developer Survey.
Join developer communities on GitHub, Reddit, or Dev.to.
4. Is it worth learning niche languages like Haskell?
Only if you’re interested in academic research or specific functional programming use cases. For most developers, mainstream languages like Python or JavaScript are more practical.
5. What’s the best way to transition from an obsolete language?
Identify the skills that are transferable (e.g., problem-solving, logic).
Learn a modern language with similar use cases (e.g., switch from Perl to Python).
Useful Links
Here are some additional resources to help you stay ahead in the programming world:
-
TIOBE Index :Track the popularity of programming languages.
-
Stack Overflow Developer Survey :Learn about the latest trends in programming.
-
GitHub Octoverse :Discover the most popular languages and projects on GitHub.
-
Python Official Documentation :A great resource for learning Python.
-
JavaScript MDN Docs :The ultimate guide to JavaScript.
-
Go Programming Language : Learn more about Go and its applications.
-
Rust Programming Language : Explore Rust for system-level programming.
Table of Contents 🚀 Why Automate Client Onboarding? As a…
How Freelance Developers Can Automate Client Onboarding
Table of Contents 💡 How AI Is Reshaping Dev Workflows:…
How AI Is Reshaping Dev Workflows: Copilot, Tabnine & More
Table of Contents Choosing the right front-end framework is one…
How to Choose the Right Front-End Framework for Your Project
Table of Contents Introduction In the ever-evolving landscape of web…
Frontend Fatigue: Are We Finally Hitting a Framework Ceiling?
I was suggested this website by my cousin. I am not sure whether this post is written by him as
no one else know such detailed about my difficulty. You are incredible!
Thanks!
Here is my web page smallest letter copy and paste
Hi there, I enjoy reading all of your article. I like to write a little comment to support
you.
Excellent blog here! Also your site loads up very fast!
What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host?
I wish my web site loaded up as fast as yours lol
I got this web site from my friend who informed me on the topic of this website and now this time
I am browsing this web page and reading very informative articles or reviews at this place.
I know this website provides quality based articles and extra material, is there any other web site which offers these stuff in quality?
Cool blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from
somewhere? A theme like yours with a few simple adjustements would really make my blog stand
out. Please let me know where you got your theme. Appreciate it
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my website thus i got here to return the choose?.I’m attempting to in finding
issues to improve my website!I guess its
good enough to make use of some of your ideas!!
I blog quite often and I genuinely appreciate your content.
The article has really peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your website and keep checking
for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your RSS feed
too.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on 슬롯게임. Regards
I am really grateful to the holder of this web page
who has shared this impressive article at here.
Your method of telling the whole thing in this article is in fact good, every one be able to effortlessly understand it, Thanks a lot https://institutaxis.com/formations-100-en-ligne/
Your means of describing the whole thing in this
post is really good, every one can simply be aware of
it, Thanks a lot https://www.fbrosseauelectricien.ca/
Your method of telling the whole thing in this piece of writing is in fact good, every one be
able to without difficulty understand it, Thanks a
lot https://shaik.ca/fr/reparation-dordinateur/
Your way of explaining everything in this paragraph is truly pleasant, every one be
capable of simply be aware of it, Thanks a lot https://www.instapneus.com/en/
Your means of telling everything in this piece of writing is really nice,
every one be able to simply be aware of it, Thanks a lot https://bleuyoga.ca/
Awesome article.
Feel free to visit my blog post … xleets
Your way of telling the whole thing in this post is genuinely nice,
all be capable of without difficulty be aware
of it, Thanks a lot https://bardoufleuriste.ca/
Your means of describing all in this article is in fact nice, every one be able to simply be aware of it,
Thanks a lot https://www.cuisinesdeniscouture.com/designer-cuisine/
Your method of telling all in this post is actually fastidious, every one be able to easily understand it, Thanks a lot https://lapimbeche.com/
Your mode of describing all in this piece of writing is truly pleasant, all can without difficulty be aware of it, Thanks a lot https://www.instapneus.com/en/
Your method of telling all in this piece of writing is really fastidious, every one can without difficulty be aware of it, Thanks a lot https://www.magentaphoto.com/technicien-soutien-informatique/
Your mode of telling all in this post is actually nice, all be capable of simply
know it, Thanks a lot https://www.demenagementproexpress.com/demenagement
іɗ=”firstHeading” class=”firstHeading mw-first-heading”>Search rеsults
Hеlp
English
Tools
Tools
mοve tߋ sidebar hide
Actions
Ԍeneral
my webpage – xpay88
Your method of explaining all in this paragraph is in fact fastidious, every one can effortlessly
understand it, Thanks a lot https://boutiquelemarie.com/graduation/
Your means of describing everything in this paragraph
is actually fastidious, every one be able to easily understand it,
Thanks a lot https://www.transportrbeaudet.ca/fr
Asking questions are in fact nice thing if you are not understanding anything completely, but this
post gives pleasant understanding even.
Your means of describing all in this paragraph is in fact good, all be able to effortlessly know it, Thanks a
lot https://www.instapneus.com/fr/
Your means of telling everything in this paragraph is
truly good, all be capable of effortlessly be aware of it, Thanks a lot https://applicationmp.com/
Your method of explaining everything in this post is actually pleasant, every one be able to without difficulty know it, Thanks a
lot https://rdttaq.com/cnesst-invalidite-permanente-apres-65-ans
Your way of describing all in this piece of writing is truly nice, all be able to without difficulty know it, Thanks a lot https://www.infinibien-etre.com/comment-mon-chien-peut-il-devenir-un-chien-de-therapie/
Your means of describing everything in this paragraph is really fastidious, all be able to
easily know it, Thanks a lot https://fenestrationdessommets.com/liquidations/?amp=1
Your way of describing all in this article is in fact good, all can easily be aware
of it, Thanks a lot https://www.nudermacosmetique.com/blogue/
Your mode of explaining the whole thing in this piece of writing is really nice, every one be capable of easily understand it, Thanks a lot https://www.cabanoneco.ca/
Your means of explaining everything in this post is actually good, every
one be capable of effortlessly be aware of it, Thanks a lot https://boutiquelemarie.com/location/
Your means of describing all in this article is genuinely pleasant, every one be capable of without difficulty understand it, Thanks a lot https://purlux.ca/fr/nos-services/epilation/electrolyse/
Your way of telling all in this article is genuinely pleasant,
all be able to easily be aware of it, Thanks a lot https://www.myozen.ca/fr-about/
Your means of describing all in this post is
really pleasant, every one be able to simply be aware of it,
Thanks a lot https://formationmatieresdangereuses.com/permis-de-chariot-elevateur/
Your mode of describing the whole thing in this piece of
writing is in fact pleasant, all be capable of easily know it, Thanks a lot https://www.lescaledetente.com/pilates-au-quebec/
Your way of explaining all in this paragraph is really fastidious, every one be able to easily be
aware of it, Thanks a lot https://cochezsante.com/territoires-desservis/massotherapeutes-quebec-canada/massotherapeutes-drummondville/
Your mode of telling the whole thing in this post is genuinely good,
every one be capable of simply know it, Thanks a lot https://formationmatieresdangereuses.com/pourquoi-faire-une-formation-transport-routier/
Your means of telling the whole thing in this post is truly fastidious, every one be capable of without difficulty understand it,
Thanks a lot https://abrasifsea.com/sableuse-a-ruban/
Your way of explaining the whole thing in this
post is genuinely good, all be able to effortlessly know it, Thanks a
lot https://www.lepetitdep.com/
Hello, this weekend is good for me, since this time i am reading this fantastic informative piece
of writing here at my house. https://classifieds.ocala-news.com/author/joeydove948
Your way of describing all in this post is actually nice, every
one be capable of without difficulty understand
it, Thanks a lot https://reseaufisconseils.com/portfolio/nos-publications-sont-maintenant-diffusees-par-le-centre-dacces-a-linformation-juridique-caij-du-barreau-du-quebec/
Your way of explaining the whole thing in this post is genuinely nice,
every one be able to simply know it, Thanks a lot https://arbo-scape.com/
Your method of describing the whole thing in this article is truly pleasant,
every one be able to without difficulty be aware of it, Thanks
a lot https://vegtech.ca/histoire-de-lagriculture-au-quebec/
Your mode of explaining all in this post is really fastidious, all be capable of without
difficulty be aware of it, Thanks a lot https://sepmetrologie.com/quels-sont-les-types-de-metrologie/
Your mode of describing everything in this post
is actually nice, every one can effortlessly understand it,
Thanks a lot https://www.more4floors.com/produits/pictogrammes-et-panneaux/pictogrammes-de-type-interdiction/
Your way of describing all in this post is really pleasant, every one be capable of without difficulty be aware of it, Thanks a lot https://abrasifsea.com/produit/autocollant-en-rouleau-ps33/
Your mode of telling everything in this paragraph is in fact good, every one be able
to effortlessly be aware of it, Thanks a lot https://www.nudermacosmetique.com/produit/gloss-volume/
I do not even understand how I stopped up right here, but I thought this
publish used to be great. I do not recognise who you are however
definitely you are going to a well-known blogger if you aren’t already.
Cheers! https://Theterritorian.com.au/index.php?page=user&action=pub_profile&id=2002686
Your method of telling all in this piece of writing is actually good,
all can easily understand it, Thanks a lot https://cochezsante.com/massage-et-cancer/
Your way of explaining the whole thing in this post is in fact
fastidious, every one can simply know it, Thanks a lot https://gouttieresjb.ca
Your way of explaining the whole thing in this article is
actually fastidious, all be capable of without difficulty understand it, Thanks a lot https://missgriffintown.com/covid-19/
Your method of explaining the whole thing in this post is actually good, all be able to without difficulty know it, Thanks a lot https://reseaufisconseils.com/services/services-en-matiere-dacces-a-linformation/
Your way of describing the whole thing in this paragraph is genuinely good, all be able to easily be aware of it, Thanks
a lot https://www.minientrepotssaintcalixte.ca/
Your means of describing the whole thing in this article is really nice,
every one be capable of effortlessly know it, Thanks a lot https://fenestrationdessommets.com/nos-realisations/