What is middleware?

[stek]

I always thought "middleware" in .NET terms was something that connects the front-end to the database, could be WCF, an ORM, or even ADO.NET.

Well that could be just ODBC, I think middleware generally does some sort of processing, rather than just a mode of connection.

I am truly waffling like a PM here!

[farout117]

Well that could be just ODBC, I think middleware generally does some sort of processing, rather than just a mode of connection.

I am truly waffling like a PM here!

WCF and an ORM are not only used for connection purposes only. For example Entity Framework 4.0 does much more than just connections

[stek]

WCF and an ORM are not only used for connection purposes only. For example Entity Framework 4.0 does much more than just connections

Not middleware really (10 sec Google) seems more like a framework for development rather than a translation layer for disparate methods.

[Ketchup]

ORM's arent middleware. they still rely on a piece of middleware for connectivity

[vetran]

its the bit in the middle, key thing is AIUI that it adds value (queueing, rules etc)

So ODBC is connectivity. MQM is a queueing system so is 'Middleware'.

[ChimpMaster]

Middleware has made me a reasonable amount of money over the past 10 years

[tractor]

...

Its the layer of ****wit-ness between contractor and client. Typically there can be several layers labelled Tier 1, tier2 and tier 3.

Though why anyone would prefer General instead of Google or Wiki to ask this kind of question is beyond me lol...

[Robinho]

Because Google and Wiki gave vague descriptions.