What Is a DDE Server?

DDE Server is used to pass data between applications.

DDE stands for Dynamic Data Exchange and is a system for sharing data between applications in Windows. The data is not imported from one application into another, but referenced. DDE Server manages these links.

Function

An example of DDE Server's operation is when an Excel spreadsheet is inserted into a Word document. In this action the Word program becomes a client of the DDE Server. If the spreadsheet is updated in Excel, the new figures are shown in the table inserted in the Word document. DDE Server does not copy data from one application to another, but references it and resupplies it whenever the importing application is opened.

Features

There are three versions of DDE Server in Microsoft Windows: DDE, Fast DDE and AdvanceDDE. NetDDE allows access to data over a network. DDE Server is an Interprocess Communication system (IPC).

Alternatives

The functionality of DDS Server is also provided by OLE (Object Linking and Embedding). This is a newer technology with faster capabilities for referencing data between applications. ActiveX and OPC (Open Process Control) are two newer systems providing the same functions as DDE Server.

References

• Software Toolbox: What is DDE?
• Webopedia: DDE