Does ODBC provide a DBMS-independent interface that Web server programs (and other applications) can use to access and process relational data sources?

Introduction / Context:
Web applications frequently need to access relational data from different DBMSs. ODBC, by design, offers a DBMS-independent API so that applications can switch drivers with minimal code changes. This question asks whether ODBC provides such a neutral interface for Web server programs.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• ODBC applications call a standard set of C APIs.
• ODBC drivers translate those calls into DBMS-specific wire protocols and SQL dialects.
• Web servers typically run application code (CGI, ISAPI, FastCGI, native modules) that can link to ODBC libraries.

Concept / Approach:
ODBC’s purpose is to abstract the DBMS so that application code can remain largely unchanged when swapping back ends. As long as there is an appropriate ODBC driver and DSN/connection string, the same code can run against different databases. Therefore, the statement is correct.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Replace a SQL Server ODBC driver with a PostgreSQL ODBC driver; adjust only DSN parameters and confirm that the core program logic is unchanged.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• No OLE DB pairing is necessary; ODBC works independently.
• ODBC is not tied to any particular Web server product.
• Server and desktop databases alike can be accessed via appropriate drivers.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming SQL dialects will always be identical; in practice, minor SQL differences may require adjustments even with ODBC.

Final Answer:
Correct