OLE, or Object Linking and Embedding, is a technology developed by Microsoft that allows for the integration of complex documents. It is based on Component Object Model (COM) and enables the embedding of a graphic, video, spreadsheet or any object within a document.
When you double-click an object, such as a video that can be played, OLE opens a media player. If editing of the object is allowed, the “server application” for that item is launched. On the other hand, if an object is only linked, the container program only gives a pointer to the object rather than physically containing it.
If an object is modified, every document that links to it is automatically updated the next time you access those documents. This is particularly useful when working with large documents that contain multiple objects that require updating.
FAQ
What is the purpose of OLE?
The primary purpose of OLE is to enable the integration of complex documents by allowing the embedding of various types of objects within a document.
How does OLE work?
When you double-click an object, such as a video, OLE opens a media player. If editing of the object is allowed, the “server application” for that item is launched. If an object is linked, the container program only gives a pointer to the object rather than physically containing it.
What happens if an object that has been linked is modified?
If an object is modified, every document that links to it is automatically updated the next time you access those documents. This saves time when working with large documents that contain multiple objects that require updating.
Conclusion
In summary, OLE is a Microsoft-developed technology that enables the embedding of complex objects such as graphics, videos, and spreadsheets within a document. It is based on Component Object Model (COM) and can allow linking to an object as well, in which case only a pointer to the object is given. This feature automatically updates every document that has linked to a changed object the next time it is opened.
