What is OLE?

OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) is Microsoft's component document technology. With OLE, it is possible to dynamically link files and applications together. An object is a combination of data and the application needed to modify that data. Objects can be embedded in or linked to documents created with a different application.

For instance, an Excel spreadsheet can be embedded within a Microsoft Word document using OLE. Double-clicking the embedded spreadsheet will launch Excel and allow the user to modify the sheet.

Some applications include small applets that are used to create objects. For instance, Microsoft Word includes a drawing tool (MS Draw) and a tool for manipulating characters as art (Text Art) which can be launched only via OLE.

For more information, visit Microsoft's Developer Network page at:

Also see:

• What is the history of Microsoft Windows?
• What are COM, COM+, and DCOM?
• What is ActiveX?
• What are ActiveX controls?