COM (Component Object Model)

The Component Object Model (COM) is a Microsoft technology that allows different software components, often created by different developers, to communicate and work together within a program or across different programs. Think of it as a set of rules and standards that enables various parts of software to plug into one another, much like electronic devices connecting through a universal outlet. This interoperability helps in building complex applications by reusing existing components, making software development more efficient and modular, while also allowing for updates and scalability without having to rebuild everything from scratch.