Internet
Fact-checked

At EasyTechJunkie, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What are ActiveX® Data Objects?

Jean Marie Asta
Jean Marie Asta

Microsoft® Activex® Data Objects, or ADO, is a tool used to access databases or other data sources. It is one form of Component Object Model (COM) objects that were designed by Microsoft® to help components that were written in different programming languages to function together. ADO is among a group of tools generally referred to as COM products.

Activex® Data Objects increases flexibility for database developers and for programming functions that use those data objects. It serves as a layer between the programming language and whatever means is being used to access the data objects. This means the developer can write a program that accesses the data objects without needing to know how the database is set up. There is no knowledge of SQL needed to access data objects when Activex® is used, though ADO can be used to execute SQL commands.

Man holding computer
Man holding computer

There are four collections of Activex® Data Objects: fields, properties, parameters and errors. Fields are collections of objects that correspond to a given record or recordset under a particular column heading. Properties are objects that describe features of a given object. Parameters are an aspect of Command objects that determine whether and how the Command object's behavior will change. Errors are a collection of any provider-created errors that occur during an Activex® operation.

Activex® Data Objects includes 12 types of objects: Connection, Command, Recordset, Immediate, Batch, Transaction, Record, Stream, Parameter, Field, Property and Error. Connection data objects store information about how the connection to the data was created and maintained. The Command object is a set of instructions that are sent to the database regarding what information is requested. A Field object is a column of data of the same data type. A Record object is a collection of Field objects and a collection of records is a Recordset object.

The Recordset is the result of the combined records and fields which match the properties that were queried against the database. Information in a Recordset object can be a simple listing or a subset of information from the data table that matches the filters used to form the request. Once it is created, the Immediate and Batch data objects describe if and how a recordset is locked. The Transaction data object, when allowed, starts and ends a data transaction.

Stream data objects are used within a Recordset object to read or write a byte stream. The Parameter data object determines how a procedure functions depending on what action is needed. Error data objects become part of the error collection. Property data objects define an ability deemed necessary by the provider.

Discuss this Article

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Man holding computer
      Man holding computer