Does ODBC distinguish driver architectures as single-tier and multiple-tier (reflecting direct file/data store access versus client–server drivers)?

Introduction / Context:
ODBC drivers can be categorized by architecture. Understanding the distinction helps when diagnosing performance or deployment issues. This question asks whether ODBC identifies single-tier and multiple-tier drivers.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Single-tier drivers access local file-based data stores directly (for example, desktop databases).
• Multiple-tier (client–server) drivers communicate with a separate DBMS server process over a network protocol.
• The Driver Manager sits above both architectures.

Concept / Approach:
Single-tier drivers combine data access and database engine within the driver (or process) that reads files directly. Multiple-tier drivers act as clients to a server DBMS. ODBC documentation and vendor literature commonly use this classification to describe how requests are processed. Therefore, the statement is correct.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Consult vendor docs (e.g., for SQL Server, Oracle, PostgreSQL drivers—multiple tier; for text/CSV/Excel drivers—often single tier).

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• These terms are not limited to “modern” ODBC; they are longstanding.
• JDBC also has similar notions, but ODBC absolutely uses this distinction.
• Network protocol choice does not redefine the architectural tiers.

Common Pitfalls:
Equating single-tier with “better” performance; ignoring concurrency, security, and transactional features available in multi-tier DBMSs.

Final Answer:
Correct