FLOW-MATIC is one of the earliest high-level programming languages designed for business data processing. It was developed by Rear Admiral Grace Hopper in collaboration with a team of engineers and programmers in the early 1950s. FLOW-MATIC served as the basis for the development of COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language), another prominent language in the business computing domain. Here are key aspects of FLOW-MATIC:

1. Development by Grace Hopper:
   • Grace Hopper, a pioneering computer scientist and U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, led the development of FLOW-MATIC.
   • The work on FLOW-MATIC began in 1955, and the language was initially designed for UNIVAC I, one of the early commercial computers.
2. Business Data Processing:
   • FLOW-MATIC was specifically designed for business data processing applications. Its syntax and features were tailored to meet the needs of businesses and organizations.
3. English-Like Syntax:
   • FLOW-MATIC featured an English-like syntax, making it more accessible to individuals who were not necessarily trained programmers.
   • The goal was to create a programming language that could be easily understood and used by business professionals and analysts.
4. Data Description and Manipulation:
   • FLOW-MATIC included features for describing and manipulating data. It allowed users to specify data elements and operations in a manner that reflected business processes.
5. COBOL Development:
   • FLOW-MATIC laid the groundwork for the development of COBOL, which became a widely used programming language for business applications.
   • Concepts and ideas from FLOW-MATIC, including its English-like syntax, influenced the design of COBOL.
6. Limited Use:
   • While FLOW-MATIC was an early and influential programming language, its use was somewhat limited compared to later languages like COBOL. It was primarily associated with UNIVAC installations.
7. Legacy and Historical Significance:
   • FLOW-MATIC holds historical significance as one of the pioneering programming languages in the early era of computing.
   • Grace Hopper’s contributions to programming languages and her work on FLOW-MATIC paved the way for advancements in business computing.
8. UNIVAC Systems:
   • FLOW-MATIC was initially developed for UNIVAC I, an early computer produced by the Eckert-Mauchly Computer Corporation, which later became part of the UNIVAC division of Remington Rand.
9. Continued Evolution:
   • The development and evolution of programming languages continued over the years, with subsequent languages incorporating new features and concepts. COBOL, in particular, became a widely adopted language for business applications.

FLOW-MATIC, as developed by Grace Hopper and her team, played a role in shaping the early landscape of programming languages, particularly those aimed at business data processing. Its influence is particularly evident in the subsequent development of COBOL, which became a cornerstone language for business-oriented applications.