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
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 Visual Basic: The Outdated Microsoft Language
Visual Basic (VB) was once a popular choice for Windows applications, but it’s now considered outdated.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.
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