Python is tying with Java as the second most popular programming language behind JavaScript, according to developer analyst RedMonk's latest ranking.

Only twice in TIOBE Programming Index history has a language commanded such a high percentage of developers’ interest.

Statistical programming language R has fallen off Tiobe index's list of the 20 most popular languages, having spent three years in the top tier.

In a Q&A, Python programming language creator Guido van Rossum said it was "almost taboo to talk about a Python 4 in a serious sense" following the troubled migration from Python 2.0 to Python 3.0.