ODBC fundamentals for developers Within the Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) specification, which items belong to the core API set of functions used by applications?

Introduction / Context:
ODBC (Open Database Connectivity) defines a portable C-based API for talking to many database systems through drivers. The API is grouped into tiers: Core, Level 1, and Level 2. Knowing what the core API guarantees helps developers write portable code that connects, executes SQL, fetches results, and manages transactions consistently across DBMS vendors.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks specifically about the ODBC core API.
• Common core tasks include establishing a connection and controlling transactions.
• Higher levels add optional features (catalog browsing, scrollable cursors, extended diagnostics).

Concept / Approach:

The ODBC core API covers fundamental functions such as environment and connection handle allocation, connecting to data sources (for example, SQLConnect), executing statements, fetching rows, binding columns, and transaction control (for example, committing or rolling back via SQLTransact or equivalent calls). These are the baseline features an application can rely on without requiring Level 1 or Level 2 support.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

ODBC references list connecting and transaction control among the foundational operations, while features like scrollable cursors are higher-level (Level 2) and not required for minimal portability.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• A or C alone: each is incomplete; core includes both connecting and transaction control.
• B: “Driver-specific information only” suggests non-portable extensions, not core portability.
• E: Contrary to ODBC’s design—connectivity and transaction control are basic.

Common Pitfalls:

• Assuming features like scrollable cursors or bulk copy are core—they are optional (higher level).
• Confusing driver-specific extensions with the standard core set.

Final Answer:

Both 1 and 3 above are included in the ODBC core API.