The LDAP Data Interchange Format (LDIF) serves as a standard plain text format for representing LDAP directory content. Each entry in the LDAP directory is represented as a record in LDIF format, facilitating the description of directory objects and any modifications that need to be made.

LDIF Fields

• DN (Distinguished Name): Uniquely identifies an entry in the directory.
• DC (Domain Component): Represents each component of the domain.
• OU (Organizational Unit): Denotes the organizational unit or user group.
• CN (Common Name): Refers to the individual object being queried.

Using Switches to Modify, Add, and Remove Entries using LDIF

Adding Entries

dn: uid=jsmith1,ou=People,dc=example,dc=com
changetype: add
objectClass: inetOrgPerson
description: John Smith from Accounting. John is the project manager of the building project, so contact him with any questions.
cn: John Smith
sn: Smith
uid: jsmith1

dn: uid=sbrown20, ou=People,dc=example,dc=com
changetype: modify
add: mail
mail: sbrown@example.com

dn: ou=othergroup,dc=example,dc=com
changetype: delete

dn: uid=sbrown20,ou=People,dc=example,dc=com
changetype: modify
replace: mail
mail: sbrown2@example.com

dn: uid=sbrown20,ou=People,dc=example,dc=com
changetype: modrdn
newrdn: uid=sbrown200
deleteoldrdn: 0

dn: uid=sbrown2,ou=People,dc=example,dc=com
changetype: modrdn
newrdn: uid=sbrown2
deleteoldrdn: 0
newsuperior: ou=superusers,dc=example,dc=com

dn: uid=jsmith1,ou=People,dc=example,dc=com
changetype: modify
add: jpegPhoto
jpegPhoto:< file:///tmp/john.jpg

dn: uid=jsmith1,ou=People,dc=example,dc=com 
changetype: modify 
add: audio 
audio:< file:///tmp/hellojohn.mp3