ODBC

Open Database Connectivity support. Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) refers to a standard for accessing different database systems in Visual Basic and Visual C++. Applications in most any software (e.g., Asymetrix ToolBook) can submit statements to ODBC using the ODBC type of SQL. ODBC then translates the code for use in common database systems such as Access, Paradox, dBase, Text, Excel and Btrieve databases. ODBC is based on Call-Level Interface and was defined by the SQL Access Group. Microsoft was one member of the group and was the first company to release a commercial product based on its work (under Microsoft Windows) but ODBC is not a Microsoft generated standard. ODBC drivers and development tools are available now for Microsoft Windows, Unix, OS/2, and Macintosh. See http://www.trinity.edu/rjensen/260wp/260wp.htm#ODBC .

(Open DataBase Connectivity) A dynamic-link library (DLL) file that Microsoft Query and Microsoft Excel can use to connect to a particular database. Each database program, such as Microsoft Access or dBASE, or database management system, such as SQL Server, requires a different driver. ODBC drivers make Microsoft Query flexible, so that you can connect to new databases, as they become available, by installing new drivers.