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Perl’s Revival: Is the Old Guard Programming Language Back?

Perl's Revival: Is the Old Guard Programming Language Back?

Perl Programming Language Rises Again – Tiobe Index Insights

John: Hey everyone, welcome back to our blog! Today, we’re diving into something pretty exciting in the tech world: the unexpected comeback of Perl in the Tiobe Programming Community Index. If you’re a beginner or intermediate tech enthusiast, you might remember Perl as that scripting language from the ’90s that’s great for text processing and web stuff. Well, it’s making waves again in 2025, climbing back into the top rankings. Lila, you’ve been curious about this—want to kick us off?

Lila: Absolutely, John! I’ve heard Perl was big back in the day, but why is it rising now? And what’s this Tiobe Index anyway? It sounds important, but I’m not totally sure what it measures.

John: Great questions, Lila. The Tiobe Index is basically a popularity contest for programming languages. It ranks them based on how often they’re searched for online, using data from search engines like Google and Bing. It’s not about which language is “best,” but which ones are getting the most buzz. And Perl’s recent surge? It’s re-entered the top 10 after years away, which is huge. If you’re into automating tasks with scripts—maybe even integrating with tools like platforms—our deep-dive on .com covers features, pricing, and use cases in plain English—worth a look for streamlining your Perl workflows: Make.com (formerly Integromat) — Features, Pricing, Reviews, Use Cases.

The Basics of Perl and the Tiobe Index

Lila: Okay, that makes sense. So, for someone like me who’s just starting out, can you explain what Perl is in simple terms? Is it still relevant for beginners?

John: Sure thing! Perl, which stands for Practical Extraction and Reporting Language, was created in 1987 by Larry Wall. It’s known for its flexibility in handling text, like parsing logs or scraping web data—think of it as a Swiss Army knife for strings and files. It’s not as shiny as for stuff, but it’s powerful for quick scripts and has a motto: “There’s more than one way to do it.” As for the Tiobe Index, it’s updated monthly and has been around since 2001. In August 2025, Python hit a record high, but Perl surprisingly jumped back into the top 10, according to sources like InfoWorld and TechRepublic.

Lila: Wow, 1987? That’s older than me! How does the index actually calculate popularity? Is it just search volume, or is there more to it?

John: It’s mostly based on search engine queries, but Tiobe weighs them across multiple engines and factors in things like Wikipedia mentions. It’s a snapshot of interest, not usage. For Perl, the rise seems tied to clarity around its versions—Perl 5 is now seen as the “real” Perl after confusion with Perl 6 (which is actually a separate language called Raku). This has boosted its appeal for legacy systems and text-heavy tasks in 2025’s AI-driven world.

Why Perl Is Rising Again in 2025

Lila: Interesting. So, what’s sparking this comeback? Is it because of AI, like with Python?

John: Partly, yes. Recent reports from sites like FizzClick and WebProNews highlight how AI tools are making programming more accessible, and Perl’s strengths in text processing align well with AI data handling. But the big factor, as Tiobe’s exec mentioned in InfoWorld, is resolving the Perl 5 vs. Perl 6 confusion. Perl 6 was rebranded to Raku in 2019, but it took time for the dust to settle. Now, in 2025, Perl 5 is gaining traction for reliable, battle-tested code in areas like system administration and web development.

Lila: That confusion sounds messy. Are there current examples of Perl being used today?

John: Definitely. Companies still use it for CGI scripts on websites, bioinformatics (like DNA sequence analysis), and even in finance for data crunching. Trending discussions on X (formerly Twitter) show developers sharing Perl scripts for automating AI model deployments—it’s not dead; it’s evolving. Plus, with older languages like Ada and Fortran also climbing the Tiobe ranks this year, there’s a trend toward appreciating “dinosaur” languages for their stability in critical systems.

Current Trends and Developments

Lila: “Dinosaur” languages? That’s funny. What other trends are happening with Perl right now?

John: Haha, yeah, that’s a term from a Starthub Asia article—legacy languages are roaring back. In July 2025, Ada hit a milestone, and Perl’s re-entry into the top 10 was noted in multiple outlets like Success Quarterly. Key trends include:

  • AI Integration: Perl’s text manipulation shines in preprocessing data for , boosted by AI coding assistants.
  • Community Revival: Verified X accounts from Perl Mongers (the community group) are buzzing with tutorials and meetups, showing growing interest.
  • Cross-Language Use: Developers are mixing Perl with modern tools, like using it in pipelines with Python or Go for hybrid apps.
  • Security Focus: With cyber threats rising, Perl’s mature modules for secure coding are getting attention in enterprise settings.

John: These trends are backed by real-time data— for instance, the August 2025 Tiobe report from TechRepublic confirms Perl’s jump, attributing it to its enduring utility in a dynamic tech landscape.

Lila: Cool list! But isn’t Perl criticized for being hard to read sometimes? Like, all those symbols?

John: Fair point—it’s often called “write-only” code because of its terse syntax, like using $ for variables or regex patterns that look like hieroglyphs. But that’s also its strength for quick hacks. For beginners, start with modern Perl books or CPAN modules to keep it clean. It’s like learning to cook with a versatile spice rack—overwhelming at first, but rewarding.

Challenges and Future Potential

Lila: Got it. What challenges does Perl face, even with this rise? And where do you see it going?

John: Challenges include competition from Python, which is easier for newbies and dominates AI. Perl’s community is smaller now, and job listings might favor trendier languages. But its future looks bright for niche roles. With Tiobe predicting more growth in 2025, especially as AI revives interest in efficient scripting, Perl could stabilize in the top 10. Reports from Ary News and Content.TechGig note its role in blending innovation with reliability.

Lila: Makes sense. Any tips for someone wanting to try Perl today?

John: Start with installing Perl via perl.org, then try simple scripts like a file reader. Join forums or follow @PerlWeekly on X for tips. And if you’re automating, remember that Make.com guide I mentioned earlier—it’s a great complement for building workflows without deep coding.

FAQs on Perl’s Tiobe Rise

Lila: Before we wrap up, let’s do some quick FAQs. What’s the top language on Tiobe right now?

John: Python, hands down, with a record 25%+ rating in May 2025 reports.

Lila: Is Perl good for web development still?

John: Yes, via frameworks like Dancer or Mojolicious—modern and fun.

Lila: How can I track Tiobe updates?

John: Check tiobe.com monthly; it’s free and insightful.

John: Reflecting on this, Perl’s rise reminds us that in tech, classics never truly fade—they adapt and surprise us. It’s a testament to solid foundations in a fast-changing world, encouraging us all to revisit overlooked tools.

Lila: Totally agree! My takeaway: Don’t dismiss the oldies; Perl’s comeback shows there’s value in versatility. Excited to try a script myself!

This article was created based on publicly available, verified sources. References:

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