Component Object Model
Component Object Model (COM) is a Microsoft-developed binary-interface standard for software componentry, enabling inter-process communication and object creation in a language-agnostic way. It allows components to communicate across different processes and machines, forming the foundation for technologies like OLE, ActiveX, and DirectX. COM defines a set of interfaces and mechanisms for object lifecycle management, versioning, and security.
Developers should learn COM when working with legacy Windows systems, enterprise applications, or technologies built on it, such as Office automation, Windows shell extensions, or DirectX game development. It's essential for maintaining and extending older Windows software, integrating with Microsoft products, or understanding low-level Windows architecture, though modern development often uses newer alternatives like .NET or WinRT.