Popfly was a Microsoft product introduced in 2007 to simplify the creation of web applications, mashups, and gaming experiences without needing extensive programming knowledge. It utilized Silverlight for its user interface, enabling users to piece together various web services and components visually. Popfly aimed to democratize development, making it accessible to hobbyists and novices. Despite its innovative approach, the service was discontinued in 2009 due to strategic shifts within Microsoft. The platform remains a notable example of early efforts to popularize user-friendly, visual development tools.