What measures can prevent the "invalid descriptor index" error when using `SQLPrepare` and `SQLExecute` for parameterized queries?

To prevent this error with prepared statements: 1. **Consistency is Key:** Ensure the number of `?` placeholders in your `SQLPrepare` statement string exactly matches the number of `SQLBindParameter` calls you make before `SQLExecute`. 2. **Strict 1-Based Indexing:** Always use 1-based indexing for parameter numbers in `SQLBindParameter`. 3. **Validate Parameter Metadata:** After `SQLPrepare`, use `SQLNumParams` to get the actual number of parameters the driver identified, and `SQLDescribeParam` to get details about each. Compare this metadata with your application's expectations before binding. 4. **Robust Error Handling:** Implement thorough error checking after every ODBC API call, especially `SQLPrepare` and `SQLBindParameter`, to catch issues early. 5. **Resource Management:** Ensure statement handles are properly reset (`SQLFreeStmt(SQL_RESET)`) or released (`SQLFreeHandle(SQL_HANDLE_STMT)`) after use to prevent state corruption from previous operations.