Hi guys,

I am trying to understand the difference between these terms (API, ActiveX,
COM, OLE, Automation).

Can anyone please provide an example (a well formed sentense or a number of
them) of how these terms would be used.

I looked them up in Wikipedia and they all appear to be related but I fail
to differentiate them properly from the work that I do.

Let's say I build an Excel tool, that has a reference to Word (through early
binding) and it consumes Word's object model to accomplish certain things.
Let's also say that I have an Addin in Excel (Like Hyperion Essbase or SAP
BEx) and this tool uses its functions too. Finally this tool may obtain the
username via a Windows API call.

Should I say that the interoperability with Word is "Automation", and that
Word is exposed (or is) an "ActiveX" control?. Then should I say that by
using the Add-ins functions I have used their "API"? Is calling functions of
an add-in considered , making "API" calls? Where does "COM" and "OLE" come
in here?

Thank you for the clarification.

Leo