The Howdy Glossary

Clipper is a computer programming language that evolved into an xBase dialect, drawing from the characteristics of the dBase programming language. Developed by Nantucket Corporation, Clipper featured higher-level programming constructs and improved performance, gaining popularity as a robust database development system for PCs during the 1980s and 1990s. The language's syntax bore a resemblance to Pascal while maintaining compatibility with dBASE files, offering developers enhanced power and flexibility in application development. Despite its success, Clipper eventually lost ground to object-oriented languages like Visual Basic and C++ as Windows became the dominant operating system.

Nantucket Corporation was instrumental in transforming Clipper from a standalone programming language into an xBase dialect that closely aligned with dBase's features and structure. The company's enhancements to Clipper's performance and incorporation of advanced programming constructs significantly contributed to its widespread adoption throughout the 1980s and 1990s. As one of the preeminent database development systems for PCs running MS-DOS, Clipper bridged the gap between higher-level programming capabilities and seamless integration with existing databases, addressing developers' growing needs for more powerful tools during this era.

Clipper faced competition from other database development systems such as FoxPro, Paradox, and Visual Basic. These alternatives offered similar functionalities but also introduced modern features that appealed to developers transitioning towards object-oriented programming with the rise of Windows-based applications. Although Clipper set itself apart through its unique blend of Pascal-like syntax, advanced programming constructs, superior performance via its compiler, and compatibility with dBASE files—facilitating a smooth transition for existing users—the shift towards object-oriented languages ultimately led to a decline in its usage. Despite this decline, Clipper left a lasting impact on database development by providing developers with significant power and flexibility during its peak years.