COM
COM (Component Object Model) is a Microsoft technology for creating reusable software components that can interact across different programming languages and processes. It enables binary interoperability, allowing components written in various languages to communicate through a standardized interface. COM is foundational to many Windows technologies, including OLE, ActiveX, and DirectX.
Developers should learn COM when working on legacy Windows applications, system-level programming, or integrating with Microsoft technologies like Office or Internet Explorer. It's essential for maintaining or extending older Windows software, as it underpins many core Windows APIs and services. Use cases include building COM-based add-ins, automation scripts, or low-level system tools.