Definition of Component Object Model+
Component Object Model+ (COM+) is a Microsoft technology that extends the Component Object Model (COM) framework. COM+ serves as a binary standard for software components, allowing developers to create and integrate reusable components in a distributed, networked environment. It enhances COM’s support for security, transactions, and reliable event-management services to facilitate the development of scalable, robust applications.
Phonetic
The phonetics of the keyword “Component Object Model+” can be broken down as follows:/kÉ™mˈpoÊŠnÉ™nt/ /ˈɑbËŒdÊ’É›kt/ /ˈmÉ‘dÉ™l/ +
Key Takeaways
- Component Object Model+ (COM+) is a Microsoft technology that extends the capabilities of the original COM to support distributed, scalable and secure applications.
- COM+ provides services like transactions, object pooling, and role-based security, which help reduce the amount of code developers need to write and maintain for complex applications.
- Developers can create reusable components in various programming languages like C++, C#, or Visual Basic and use them in different applications, enabling code reusability and modular development.
Importance of Component Object Model+
Component Object Model+ (COM+), a significant technology term, is vital as it represents an advanced extension of the Component Object Model (COM). COM+ plays a crucial role in facilitating efficient communication among software components, designed to work smoothly together within a program.
Its importance lies in offering a suitable framework for developing reusable, robust, and scalable components by promoting interoperability, security, and versioning.
Additionally, COM+ provides vital services such as transaction management and distributed processing, allowing developers to deploy and maintain applications more easily, while enhancing the overall system’s performance and reliability.
Explanation
Component Object Model+ (COM+) is a technology aimed at enhancing the overall productivity and efficiency of software development by enabling developers to create reusable software components. Its primary purpose is to simplify the creation, maintenance, and deployment of applications by providing a standardized framework for building component-based software.
COM+ acts as an intermediary between software components, allowing them to communicate and work together seamlessly. This approach promotes an organized architecture and facilitates smoother integration of new features and functionalities without disrupting the existing system.
COM+ also delivers key services like transaction and concurrency management, security, and load balancing, all of which contribute to the stability, scalability, and performance of applications. This enables applications to be more modular, maintainable, and extensible by encapsulating specific functionality within separate components.
These components often contain well-defined interfaces allowing their integration into various projects with minimal risk. In essence, the usage of COM+ technology not only simplifies software development but also fosters a more robust and manageable application, ultimately reducing costs and time-to-market.
Examples of Component Object Model+
The Component Object Model (COM) is a binary-interface standard for software components used primarily on Microsoft Windows operating systems. Various real-world applications and systems utilize COM+ technology due to its versatility and adaptability in handling various tasks. Here are three examples:
Microsoft Office Suite: The Microsoft Office Suite is a popular office productivity software that includes applications like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. It utilizes COM+ technology to allow developers to create add-ins, automation of tasks through scripting and macro languages like VBA (Visual Basic for Applications), and integration with other software and services for enhanced functionality. This extensibility makes the Office Suite more versatile, catering to the unique needs of its users.
Internet Explorer: Internet Explorer, the once-dominant web browser, made use of COM+ technology to let developers create extensions, or add-ons, that enhance browser functionality. Developers can create custom toolbars, menu items, and context menus to help users interact with web pages in new and improved ways. Additionally, Internet Explorer used a technology called ActiveX controls, which were COM components embedded directly into web pages to provide a rich multimedia experience.
Video Editing Software: Some video editing software, such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Sony Vegas Pro, utilize the COM+ architecture to allow third-party developers to create plug-ins, extensions, and customizations. Through COM+ technology and its support for communication between software components, video editing software can integrate seamlessly with other tools and applications, such as special effects and audio programs, for a more streamlined user experience.
Component Object Model+ FAQ
What is Component Object Model+ (COM+)?
Component Object Model+ (COM+) is an extension of the Component Object Model (COM) technology developed by Microsoft. COM+ provides a wide range of services, including transaction management, object pooling, and role-based security, to simplify the development and deployment of enterprise-level software applications.
How does COM+ enhance COM?
COM+ enhances COM by adding new features and services, such as improved security, improved performance through object pooling and just-in-time activation, and simplified programming with the introduction of attribute-based programming. These features make it easier to develop scalable and robust enterprise applications.
What is the relationship between COM+ and .NET?
COM+ and .NET are two separate technologies, but they can interoperate with one another. .NET applications can use COM+ services, and COM+ components can be accessed from .NET applications. This interoperability allows developers to leverage the power of both technologies while migrating their applications to the .NET platform.
What are some practical applications of COM+?
COM+ can be used in various application scenarios, such as:
- Creating distributed and client-server applications using DCOM (Distributed Component Object Model).
- Developing scalable and high-performance web applications using COM+ component services.
- Managing resources like database connections and file handles through object pooling.
- Implementing transactional operations to ensure data integrity across multiple systems.
How do I create a COM+ component?
To create a COM+ component, perform the following steps:
- Choose a programming language that supports COM, such as C++, C#, or Visual Basic.
- Define a component’s interfaces using the Interface Definition Language (IDL).
- Implement the interfaces in your chosen programming language.
- Create a type library that contains metadata about the component and its interfaces.
- Register the component and its interfaces with the Windows operating system using the COM+ tools or the Windows Registry.
Related Technology Terms
- Distributed Component Object Model (DCOM)
- Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)
- ActiveX Controls
- DirectX API (Application Programming Interface)
- COM+ Services
Sources for More Information
- Microsoft Docs – https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/win32/com/component-object-model–com–portal
- Wikipedia – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Component_Object_Model
- CodeProject – https://www.codeproject.com/Articles/6488/COM-in-plain-C
- CodeGuru – https://www.codeguru.com/cpp/com-tech/activex/tutorials/article.php/c5567/Understanding-the-Component-Object-Model-COM-in-C.htm
