Difficulty: Easy
Correct Answer: All of the above statements describe important goals that OLE DB was designed to achieve
Explanation:
Introduction / Context:
This question deals with OLE DB, a Microsoft data access technology that aims to provide a flexible and component based way to access different kinds of data. OLE DB is built around COM based object interfaces that expose data source capabilities in a modular fashion. Its design goals include separating pieces of database functionality, increasing flexibility for applications, and enabling access to diverse data types such as relational tables, spreadsheets, and other sources through a consistent object model.
Given Data / Assumptions:
Concept / Approach:
OLE DB was created to address limitations in earlier data access technologies by exposing DBMS and other data source functionality through COM interfaces. Providers implement interfaces that offer services such as command execution, rowset retrieval, and transaction management. Because the interfaces are modular, applications can use only the parts they need. OLE DB was also designed to support data sources beyond relational databases, increasing flexibility and reuse. Therefore, goals such as modular interfaces, increased flexibility, and support for many data types are all correct pieces of the overall design.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the set of goals typically associated with OLE DB, including modularity, flexibility, and data source independence.Step 2: Examine the options that mention creating object interfaces for pieces of DBMS functionality, increasing flexibility, and providing interfaces over many types of data.Step 3: Recognize that each of these options describes a genuine part of the OLE DB design philosophy.Step 4: Notice that one option combines all of these statements and asserts that they are all goals of OLE DB.Step 5: Select the combined option as the correct answer and reject the statement about replacing SQL entirely, which misrepresents the technology.
Verification / Alternative check:
Reviewing Microsoft documentation for OLE DB, the stated objectives include enabling uniform access to different types of data sources, providing a single set of COM interfaces for data access, and allowing fine grained exposure of DBMS features. These goals map directly to modular object interfaces, increased flexibility, and support for multiple data types. No official description claims that OLE DB was intended to replace SQL altogether. This confirms that the option listing all the genuine goals together is correct.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Each of the first three options describes only one aspect of OLE DB and is therefore incomplete when considered alone. The option that claims OLE DB was designed to replace SQL is inaccurate; OLE DB is a data access interface and does not define a new universal query language. Applications can still use SQL or other query mechanisms through OLE DB providers. Only the option that combines the real goals into a single statement fully reflects what OLE DB was designed to achieve.
Common Pitfalls:
Some students may focus on a single aspect they remember, such as support for multiple data types, and choose that option without realizing that it is part of a broader set of goals. Another pitfall is confusing OLE DB with query languages and assuming that it must replace SQL to be useful. To avoid such errors, remember that OLE DB is an interface layer, not a query language, and its power lies in modularity and flexibility across data sources.
Final Answer:
The best summary of OLE DB goals is that all of the above statements describe important goals that OLE DB was designed to achieve.
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