Openldap for Developers

ISBN-13: 9781847191021 / Angielski / Miękka / 2007 / 484 str.

Matt Butcher

Opis

This book is the ideal introduction to using OpenLDAP for Application Developers and will also benefit System Administrators running OpenLDAP. It prepares the reader to build a directory using OpenLDAP, and then employ this directory in the context of the network, taking a practical approach that emphasizes how to get things done. On occasion, it delves into theoretical aspects of LDAP, but only where understanding the theory helps to answer practical questions. The reader requires no knowledge of OpenLDAP, but even readers already familiar with the technology will find new things and techniques. This book is organized into three major sections: the first section covers the basics of LDAP directory services and the OpenLDAP server; the second focuses on building directory services with OpenLDAP; in the third section of the book, we look at how OpenLDAP is integrated with other applications and services on the network. This book not only demystifies OpenLDAP, but gives System Administrators and Application Developers a solid understanding of how to make use of OpenLDAP's directory services. The OpenLDAP directory server is a mature product that has been around (in one form or another) since 1995. It is an open-source server that provides network clients with directory services. All major Linux distributions include the OpenLDAP server, and many major applications, both open-source and proprietary, are directory aware and can make use of the services provided by OpenLDAP. The OpenLDAP directory server can be used to store organizational information in a centralized location, and make this information available to authorized applications. Client applications connect to OpenLDAP using the Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) and can then search the directory and (if they have appropriate access) modify and manipulate records. LDAP servers are most frequently used to provide network-based authentication services for users; but there are many other uses for an LDAP server, including using the directory as an address book, a DNS database, an organizational tool, or even as a network object store for applications.

This practical introduction to OpenLDAP for Application Developers emphasizes how to get things done, going into Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) theory only to answer practical questions. It demystifies OpenLDAP, providing a solid understanding of how to use its directory and covering building directory services, integrating directory services, and developing directory-enabled PHP or Python applications. Readers need only basic Linux system administration experience, not LDAP experience.Open-source OpenLDAP directory server is included in all major Linux distributions; many open-source and proprietary applications can use OpenLDAPs services. Client applications use LDAP to connect to OpenLDAP, search the directory, and (if authorized) modify and manipulate records. Most often used to provide network-based authentication services for users, LDAP servers have many other uses: address book, DNS database, organizational tool, even network object store for applications.