Microsoft Open Database Connectivity (ODBC)
The Microsoft Open Database Connectivity (ODBC) interface is a C programming language interface that makes it possible for applications to access data from various database management systems (DBMSs). ODBC is a low-level, high-performance interface that is designed specifically for relational data stores.
The ODBC interface allows maximum interoperability-an application can access data in diverse DBMSs through a single interface. Moreover, that application is independent of any DBMS from which it accesses data. Users of the application can add software components called drivers, which interface between an application and a specific DBMS.
Documentation
The following table provides links to various ODBC documentation resources:
| ODBC | Description |
|---|---|
| ODBC Programmer's Reference | Documentation of ODBC interfaces and methods |
| ODBC Data Source Administrator | The Microsoft ODBC Data Source Administrator manages database drivers and data sources |
| Microsoft-Supplied ODBC Drivers | Documentation for the ODBC Desktop Database Drivers, the ODBC Driver for Oracle, and the Visual FoxPro ODBC Driver |
| ODBC Test | Microsoft ODBC Test is an ODBC-enabled application that you can use to test ODBC drivers |
| ODBC Glossary | Defines terms relevant to ODBC |
| ODBCCONF.EXE | Describes the command-line utility for configuring drivers and data source names |
Support
Information about support options can be found on the Microsoft Help and Support site.