Mastering OpenLDAP: Configuring, Securing, and Integrating Directory Services

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 OpenLDAP's 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.

Matt Butcher

Matt Butcher is a senior programmer at Palantir.net, where he specializes in content management systems, web services, and browser scripting. He has been an active participant in Open Source technologies for over a decade. Matt has written five books for Packt, including Learning Drupal 6 Module Development, Mastering OpenLDAP, and Drupal 6 JavaScript and jQuery., all of which are published by Packt. Matt writes his technical blog at technosophos.com. When not pushing bits, Matt likes to explore Chicago with his wife and three daughters.