Clipper is a high-level programming language that was widely used in the 1980s and 1990s for developing database applications. It was developed by Nantucket Corporation as a compiler for the dBASE language, but it evolved into its own language with a dedicated following.

Clipper was known for its speed and efficiency, making it popular among developers who needed to build fast and responsive applications. It was particularly well-suited for developing business applications that required heavy use of database operations, such as data entry, reporting, and data manipulation.

One of the key features of Clipper was its ability to interact with multiple database formats, including dBASE, FoxPro, and others. This made it a versatile choice for developers working with different database systems.

Clipper used a syntax that was similar to dBASE, making it easy for developers familiar with dBASE to transition to Clipper. It provided a rich set of programming constructs, including variables, loops, conditional statements, and functions, which allowed for the creation of complex and powerful applications.

Clipper also included a powerful programming language called CA-Clipper, which provided additional features and capabilities, such as support for object-oriented programming and graphical user interfaces. CA-Clipper allowed developers to create sophisticated applications with modern user interfaces, making it a competitive choice for business application development.

Despite its popularity, Clipper began to decline in usage in the late 1990s and early 2000s as newer programming languages and development environments emerged. However, it still has a dedicated community of developers who continue to use and maintain legacy Clipper applications.

Overall, Clipper was a powerful and efficient programming language that played an important role in the history of database application development. Its speed, versatility, and ease of use made it a popular choice for developers working on a wide range of applications, from small business tools to large-scale enterprise systems.