The SPL programming language is a versatile, open-source language that is used for a wide range of applications. Its origins can be traced back to Bell Labs in the 1970s, where it was created as a tool for analyzing and manipulating data. Since then, it has evolved into a powerful language with many features and applications. This beginner's guide will provide an overview of the SPL language, how to write code in it, and some of the best applications for it.

Overview of SPL:
SPL stands for "Streaming Processing Language." It is a programming language that is specifically designed for stream processing, which involves the continuous processing of data as it flows through a system. SPL is particularly useful for processing large amounts of data in real-time, and is commonly used in applications such as data analytics, machine learning, and financial trading.

SPL is an open-source language, which means that anyone can use it and contribute to its development. It is maintained by IBM, and is supported by a large community of developers and users. SPL is a procedural language, which means that it is based on a series of steps or procedures that are executed in order to achieve a particular result.

Writing SPL Code:
Writing code in SPL is similar to writing code in other programming languages. The basic structure of an SPL program consists of a series of statements that are executed in order. Here is an example of a simple SPL program:

```
stream
  { } -> sink
```

This program simply creates an empty stream and sends it to a sink. In SPL, a stream is a sequence of data items that are processed in real-time. A sink is a destination for data, such as a file or a database. This program doesn't do anything useful, but it demonstrates the basic structure of an SPL program.

To write more complex SPL programs, you will need to learn more about the language's syntax and features. SPL has many built-in functions and operators for manipulating data, as well as libraries for working with specific data formats and systems. The SPL documentation provides a comprehensive guide to these features and how to use them.

Applications of SPL:
SPL has many applications in a variety of fields. One of the most common uses of SPL is in data analytics, where it is used to process large amounts of data in real-time. For example, SPL can be used to analyze website traffic data and detect patterns or anomalies in real-time. It can also be used in machine learning applications, where it is used to train and test models on large datasets.

SPL is also commonly used in financial trading applications, where it is used to analyze market data and make trading decisions in real-time. SPL can process large amounts of market data quickly and accurately, making it a valuable tool for traders.

Conclusion:
The SPL programming language is a powerful and versatile tool for stream processing and data analysis. While it may seem intimidating to beginners, with practice and patience, anyone can learn to write code in SPL. This guide provides a basic overview of SPL and its applications, but there is much more to explore. If you are interested in working with data in real-time, or in the fields of data analytics or financial trading, SPL is definitely worth learning.