In Object Linking and Embedding Database (OLE DB), is the programming interface defined by COM objects together with the properties and methods (interfaces) they expose to consumers?

Introduction / Context:
OLE DB is Microsoft’s Component Object Model (COM)–based data access architecture. It was designed to expose data from a wide array of sources—not only relational databases—through a common set of COM interfaces. The question asks whether an OLE DB interface is defined by COM objects and the properties/methods they expose.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• OLE DB uses COM; components are accessed via interfaces, not concrete classes.
• Data Providers and Data Consumers communicate via standard interfaces.
• Key abstractions include data sources, sessions, commands, rowsets, and schema rowsets.

Concept / Approach:
In COM, functionality is exposed through interfaces consisting of methods and, in some cases, properties accessible via getters/setters. OLE DB specifies a set of such interfaces. Providers implement them; consumers call them. For example, a provider exposes interfaces to create commands, execute queries, and obtain rowsets. Because these are COM interfaces, their contracts are the combination of objects plus the properties and methods they expose. Therefore, the statement is correct.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Review OLE DB documentation for interfaces such as IDBInitialize, IDBCreateSession, ICommand, IOpenRowset; each defines methods and object lifecycles consistent with COM.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• “Only true via ADO” is false; ADO is a higher-level wrapper over OLE DB.
• “Only rowsets expose methods” is wrong; all OLE DB objects expose methods.
• Vendor dependence does not change the COM contract.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing ADO (a convenience library) with OLE DB; thinking OLE DB is relational-only; forgetting that interfaces, not classes, are the key COM abstraction.

Final Answer:
Correct