[jjm]

You could also segment the market by knowledge, and time in business. Each would yield different results.

What you might find is the market aggregate is a lagging indicator or that any summary is void of true detail.

Besides the language measurement quanta here is so far apart, no?

[andrewcurioso]

It's a bit intentionally vague. For instance, let's say there is a language dedicated to hardware prototypes (let's call it Gabview)...

Say it is very popular now but it is difficult to use and no one enjoys using it. If the theory holds true, a new language will come around gain popularity with hardware firmware developers and Gabview will fade off into the distance.