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 (like C++, Visual Basic, or Delphi) to communicate through defined interfaces. COM is foundational for Windows development, supporting features like OLE (Object Linking and Embedding), ActiveX, and DirectX.
Developers should learn COM when working on legacy Windows applications, system-level programming, or integrating with Microsoft technologies like Office automation or Internet Explorer. It's essential for maintaining or extending older Windows software, building COM-based APIs, or understanding low-level component architecture in Windows environments. Use cases include creating add-ins for applications like Excel, implementing shell extensions, or developing drivers that rely on COM interfaces.