Flow-Matic

computer language

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July 15, 2026

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Flow-matic was a computer language developed at Grace Hopper's laboratory at UNIVAC. It used an English-like syntax and vocabulary, which was a significant step towards making programming more accessible. This language directly influenced the development of COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) in 1959, a language designed for business applications with a verbose, English-like style. COBOL became widely adopted in the business community and remained popular for many years, particularly in large organizations like banks and government agencies.12

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COBOL
Flow-matic used a more English-like syntax and vocabulary:
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Flow-matic used a more English-like syntax and vocabulary:
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Grace Hopper
In 1957 her division developed Flow-Matic, the first English-language data-processing compiler, which had many features that inspired the development of COBOL. Her development of compilers for COBOL and her strong advocacy of the language led to its widespread use in the 1960s. She retired from the navy with the rank…
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In 1957 her division developed Flow-Matic, the first English-language data-processing compiler, which had many features that inspired the development of COBOL. Her development of compilers for COBOL and her strong advocacy of the language led to its widespread use in the 1960s. She retired from the navy with the rank…
Read More