In ODBC terminology, what do we call the data structure (often configured as a DSN) that identifies a target database and the DBMS/driver used to process it?

Introduction / Context:
Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) uses a layered architecture to isolate applications from vendor-specific DBMS details. Central to this architecture are data sources, drivers, and the driver manager, which together enable portable SQL execution.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• An application connects via ODBC using a name that encapsulates server, database, and driver parameters.
• This named configuration must tell ODBC which driver to load and how to reach the database.

Concept / Approach:
A data source (commonly referred to as a DSN) stores connection information such as the driver, server/host, database name, authentication mode, and options. The driver manager sits between the application and drivers, while a driver translates ODBC calls into DBMS-native calls.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
In ODBC Administrator tools, creating a User/System/File DSN defines a data source with the associated driver and database details.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Driver manager: The mediator layer, not the connection definition itself.
• Driver: Vendor-specific library that executes DBMS operations.
• API: The programming interface, not a configuration object.
• Catalog: A database metadata repository, not a connection definition.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing a driver with a data source. A driver is reusable code; a data source is a configured instance pointing to a specific target.

Final Answer:
Data source