HyperCard

HyperCard was a software development system for Apple Macintosh computers, released in 1987. Developed by Bill Atkinson, it was groundbreaking for its time as it combined a database with a graphical user interface and a scripting language. It allowed users to create and interact with "stacks" of "cards," which could contain text, images, buttons, and other interactive elements.

The core concept of HyperCard was its hypertextual linking system. Users could click on buttons or other elements to navigate between different cards, effectively creating non-linear documents and applications. This made it a precursor to the World Wide Web, allowing for easy browsing and information retrieval.

HyperCard's scripting language, HyperTalk, was designed to be English-like and relatively easy to learn, enabling users with limited programming experience to create custom applications. This accessibility fostered a community of HyperCard developers who created a wide variety of tools, games, and educational software.

While it was bundled for free with every Macintosh for many years, significantly contributing to its widespread adoption, Apple eventually discontinued HyperCard. Its influence, however, is undeniable, having inspired many subsequent software developments in the areas of multimedia, interactive applications, and the very concept of the web.