Ada Programming Language Makes a Comeback as Industry Shifts Towards Security

Ada, a 40-year-old programming language, has broken into the top 10 of the TIOBE Index for July 2025, sparking debate on whether it's a fluke or a serious comeback. CEO Paul Jansen attributes its resurgence to its focus on security, citing its use in safety-critical systems. The avionics and automotive industries are reportedly returning to Ada, and Nvidia is testing it out. While some question the methodology of the TIOBE Index, others see growing interest in Ada at developer events, suggesting a genuine resurgence in popularity.

Ada, a 40-year-old programming language, has made a significant comeback, breaking into the top 10 of the TIOBE Index for July 2025 [1]. This resurgence has sparked debate among the tech community, with some attributing it to a genuine increase in interest while others question the methodology of the TIOBE Index.

TIOBE Software CEO Paul Jansen attributes Ada's rise to its focus on security, noting that it is often used in safety-critical systems such as avionics and automotive industries [1]. Jansen suggests that Ada's inclusion in the top 10 is a sign of its enduring relevance in these sectors.

The avionics and automotive industries have reportedly returned to using Ada, and even tech giants like Nvidia are testing it out, indicating a renewed interest in the language [1]. Additionally, growing interest in Ada has been observed at developer events, further suggesting a genuine resurgence in its popularity.

However, not everyone is convinced. Some question the methodology of the TIOBE Index, arguing that it may not accurately reflect the true popularity of programming languages. Despite these concerns, the fact that Ada has managed to break into the top 10 indicates a notable shift in the tech landscape.

In conclusion, while Ada's rise in the TIOBE Index is significant, its long-term impact remains to be seen. As the tech community continues to debate the reasons behind Ada's resurgence, it is clear that the language has the potential to play a more prominent role in the future of software development.

References:
[1] https://www.techrepublic.com/article/tiobe-index-language-rankings/
[2] https://siliconangle.com/2025/07/10/elon-musks-xai-sets-ai-benchmark-records-new-reasoning-optimized-grok-4-model/