IDAPI is the Integrated Database Application Program Interface. BDE is a way to access multiple data sources with a consistent API. The distinction is in the terminology: IDAPI is the API for the BDE. It includes all the functions necessary to access, manipulate, etc. the data; BCB, dBASE for Windows, Quattro Pro, and Paradox for Windows use these functions to access data: You can use them yourself in your programs. If you look at the BCB source you will see these functions used. They are prefaced with "Dbi" (e.g. DbiCreateTable). SQL Links is a collection of native drivers that enable you to connect to remote database servers.