NAME

opendirectoryd is a launchd(8) job for client access to local or remote directory systems
SYNOPSIS
opendirectoryd [ -version]
DESCRIPTION
opendirectoryd is a launchd(8) job which replaces "DirectoryService" as a core part of the Open
Directory technology. Several modules are provided that allow access to existing directory systems:

Active Directory
LDAP
Local Database
NIS

Modules
opendirectoryd modules have specific capabilities:
Authentication
Connection
Discovery
Unspecified

password verification, password changes, etc.

general connections used for queries, record modifications, etc.
location and prioritization of servers to contact (a.k.a., service discovery)
a generic module used for unspecified purpose (usually to extend capabilities)

Third party plugins developed for "DirectoryService" are supported via dspluginhelperd(8).
Open Directory
Open Directory is a technology which includes a client API abstraction layer, a directory server, and the
opendirectoryd daemon. This allows clients to utilize a single API to access a variety of directory
servers simultaneously or configure their own directory server.
Open Directory forms the foundation of how Mac OS X accesses all authoritative configuration information
(users, groups, mounts, managed desktop data, etc.). This allows use of virtually any directory system via
Apple and third party modules.
Configuration of opendirectoryd is done via "System Preferences" under the "Users & Groups" preference pane. Advanced settings are available by using "Open Directory Utility..." within "Users & Groups"
preference pane.
More information is available from the Open Directory website:
http://developer.apple.com/darwin/projects/opendirectory/
Open Directory Server
Open Directory Server utilizes OpenLDAP which is included as part of Mac OS X Client, Mac OS X Server,
and Darwin. OpenLDAP provides a robust and scalable platform for serving directory-based information for
both standalone and networked systems.
NFSv4 Domain name
The following will set the default domain name used to map user and group identities in NFSv4 client/server
operations.
dscl . -create Config/NFSv4Domain RealName <Example.com>
This command requires root privileges.
FILES
Files are stored in various locations for opendirectoryd depending on use. A list of folders and files are
shown below.

BSD

March 3, 2011

opendirectoryd (8)

BSD System Managers Manual

opendirectoryd (8)

System files provided by Apple and should only change with operating system updates:
/System/Library/OpenDirectory/Configurations/
node configuration files
/System/Library/OpenDirectory/DynamicNodeTemplates/
dynamic node definitions
/System/Library/OpenDirectory/Mappings/
record/attribute mapping tables
/System/Library/OpenDirectory/Modules/
modules to be loaded on demand
/System/Library/OpenDirectory/Templates/
templates used for node styles (module layout and mappings)
/System/Library/OpenDirectory/record-schema.plist
OpenDirectory record/attribute schema
/System/Library/OpenDirectory/permissions.plist
OpenDirectory global record/attribute permissions
User defined files:
/Library/OpenDirectory/Templates/
/Library/OpenDirectory/Mappings/

templates used for node styles (module layout and mappings)

record/attribute mapping tables

Files that change periodically are located in:

/Library/Preferences/OpenDirectory/Configurations/
node configuration files
/Library/Preferences/OpenDirectory/DynamicData/
dynamic data stored by nodes
/Library/Preferences/OpenDirectory/.LogDebugAtStartOnce
enables debug logging until process exits
or system is rebooted (reboot required)
/var/log/opendirectoryd.log
log file(s) for opendirectoryd
Legacy locations:
/Library/DirectoryServices/PlugIns/

third party DirectoryService plugins loaded

by dspluginhelperd

SEE ALSO
odutil(1), dspluginhelperd(8), slapd(8)

BSD

March 3, 2011