DataFlex is a programming language that is used to create business applications for desktop, web, and mobile platforms. It has been in use since 1981 and has evolved to keep up with changing technology. In this beginner's guide, we will explore the history of DataFlex, its syntax, and the best applications for it. We will also provide an example of how to write a simple program using DataFlex.

History:
DataFlex was first developed by the company called Data Access Corporation in 1981. It was designed to be a programming language that was easy to learn and use, especially for business applications. The language was initially called VDF (Visual DataFlex) and was developed for DOS systems. In the 1990s, the language evolved to support Windows and Unix systems. Data Access Corporation has continued to develop and improve DataFlex over the years, and it remains a popular programming language for business applications today.

Syntax:
DataFlex has a syntax that is similar to other programming languages, such as C++ and Java. It is a case-insensitive language, which means that the case of the letters does not matter. DataFlex uses the dot notation to access objects and methods, and it uses curly braces to define blocks of code. DataFlex supports a wide range of data types, including string, integer, decimal, and date/time. Here's an example of a simple DataFlex program:

```
Program Hello_World
Begin
  Procedure Main()
  Begin
    Send Info("Hello, world!")
  End_Procedure
End_Program
```

This program defines a procedure called "Main" that sends a message to the user with the text "Hello, world!". The program is executed when the user runs the program.

Applications:
DataFlex is a popular language for creating business applications. It is used to develop applications for desktop, web, and mobile platforms. DataFlex is often used for database applications, as it has built-in support for many popular databases, including Oracle, SQL Server, and MySQL. DataFlex is also used for creating e-commerce applications, inventory management systems, and customer relationship management (CRM) applications.

Conclusion:
DataFlex is a powerful programming language that is easy to learn and use. Its syntax is similar to other popular programming languages, and it is well-suited for creating business applications for a wide range of platforms. With its built-in support for databases and other technologies, DataFlex is an excellent choice for developing data-driven applications. By following the example program in this guide, beginners can get started with writing their own DataFlex programs and explore the possibilities of this versatile language.