Object Request Broker (ORB)

What is meant by Object Request Broker (ORB)?

An "Object Request Broker (ORB)" is middleware that allows objects in a distributed system to communicate with each other. An ORB mediates requests from a client object to a server object, regardless of where these objects are physically located. ORBs are central to distributed object-oriented programming and are a core component of CORBA (Common Object Request Broker Architecture).

Typical Software Functions in the Area of "Object Request Broker (ORB)":

1. Object Mediation:

   • Transmitting requests and responses between client and server objects in a distributed system.

2. Transparent Communication:

   • Enabling interaction between objects without developers needing to handle the details of network communication.

3. Naming Service:

   • Providing a directory for registering and locating objects in the network.

4. Lifecycle Management:

   • Managing the creation, activation, deactivation, and destruction of objects.

5. Security:

   • Ensuring that only authorized clients can access certain server objects and implementing encryption and authentication.

6. Transaction Management:

   • Supporting the coordination and management of transactions across multiple distributed objects.

7. Error Handling and Recovery:

   • Mechanisms for handling errors and recovering communication in case of failures.