How Does DDE Work?
DDE transfers information in conversations. A conversation occurs between a client application and a server application, such as HostExplorer.
When HostExplorer is loaded, it broadcasts to DDE that its services are available. Then a client application, such as Word for Windows, can initiate a conversation with HostExplorer. The procedure is similar to a telephone conversation: you must call a friend in order to have a conversation. Once the client and server applications begin a conversation, the client application can request information, run macros, press keys, and transfer files.
A client application can issue the following four types of DDE messages:
To have a DDE conversation, you need the following fields: