An Explanation of the Basic NIS+ Objects

An Explanation of the Basic NIS+ Objects


NIS+ objects are structural elements used to build and define the NIS+
namespace. There are 5 basic NIS+ objects. Objects are always
seperated by dots.

DIRECTORY OBJECTS: Similar to a UNIX system directory, in that it can
contain one or more objects such as: table objects, group objects,
entry objects or link objects. Directory objects form an inverted
tree-like structure, with the root domain at the top and the
subdomains branching downwards. They are used to divide namespace into
the different parts. Each main directory object will contain that
domain's org_dir and groups_dir directory objects. The org_dir
directory objects contain table objects for that domain. The
groups_dir directory objects contain NIS+ administrative group
objects.

Example of DIRECTORY OBJECTS:

Sun.Com.
org_dir.Sun.Com.
groups_dir.Sun.Com.

TABLE OBJECTS: Similar to NIS maps. They store a variety of network
information. Tables may contain zero or more ENTRY OBJECTS. There are
a total 17 predefined table objects. Tables can be administered with
nistbladm or nisaddent command. Table entry objects form a row in the
table and each row stores one record.

Example of TABLE OBJECTS:

Passwd.org_dir.Sun.Com.
Hosts.org_dir.Sun.Com.

Example of ENTRY OBJECTS:

[name=user1],passwd.org_dir.Sun.Com.

GROUP OBJECTS: These are NIS+ namespace administrative user groups. They
permit controlled access rights to namespace modification on a group
basis. They are administered with the nisgrpadm command.

Example of GROUP OBJECTS:

admin.groups_dir.Sun.Com.

LINK OBJECTS: These are pointers to other objects. They are similar to
symbolic links. They typically point to table or object entrys.
Administered with the nisln command.


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