This guide shows you how to work with OpenDJ SDK to create client applications in the Java language to connect to LDAP servers and perform LDAP operations.

This guide is written for Java developers who want to build directory client applications with OpenDJ SDK. This guide starts by explaining LDAP directories briefly, and describing best practices for LDAP client applications. Then it demonstrates how to install and use OpenDJ SDK to build LDAP clients. You do not need to be an LDAP wizard to learn something from this guide. You do need some background in writing Java 6 and client-server applications to get the most out of this guide. You can nevertheless get started with this guide, and then learn more as you go along.

This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. See the license for the specific language governing permissions and limitations under the license.

Pay attention to notes like this one. Some items might be formatted differently from other text, like filenames, commands, and literal values. $ echo Terminal sessions are formatted like this. Terminal sessions are formatted like this. class Test { public static void main(String [] args) { System.out.println("This is a program listing."); } } In many cases, sections pertaining to UNIX, GNU/Linux, Mac OS X, BSD, and so forth are marked (UNIX). Sections pertaining to Microsoft Windows might be marked (Windows). To avoid repetition, however, file system directory names are often given only in UNIX format as in /path/to/OpenDJ, even if the text applies to C:\path\to\OpenDJ as well. Ignore warnings at your own risk.

Core documentation, such as what you are now reading, aims to be technically accurate and complete with respect to the software documented. Core documentation therefore follows a three-phase review process designed to eliminate errors. The review process should slow authors down enough that documentation you get with a stable release has had time to bake fully. Fully baked core documentation is available at .... The OpenDJ Wiki regularly brings you more, fresh content. In addition, you are welcome to sign up and then edit the Wiki if you notice an error, or if you have something to share.

After you sign up at ForgeRock, you can also login to the Wiki and the issue database to follow what is happening with the project. If you have questions regarding OpenDJ which are not answered by the documentation, there is a mailing list which can be found at https://lists.forgerock.org/mailman/listinfo/opendj where you are likely to find an answer. You can join the IRC discussion in the #opendj room at irc.freenode.net. The Wiki has information on how to check out OpenDJ source code. There is also a mailing list for OpenDJ development which can be found at https://lists.forgerock.org/mailman/listinfo/opendj-dev Should you want to contribute a patch, test, or feature, or want to author part of the core documentation, first have a look on the ForgeRock Community page at how to get involved.