The ldif command automatically formats LDIF files and creates base-64 encoded attribute values. Base-64 encoding makes it possible to represent binary data, such as a JPEG image, in LDIF. Base-64 encoded data is represented using a double colon (::) symbol. For example:

jpegPhoto:: encoded data

In addition to binary data, other values that must be base-64 encoded can identified with other symbols, including the following:

•Any value that begins with a space.

•Any value that begins with a single colon (:).

•Any value that contains non-ASCII data, including newlines.

The ldif command-line utility will take any input and format it with the correct line continuation and appropriate attribute information. The ldif utility also senses whether the input requires base-64 encoding.

•“ldif syntax” (page 212)

•“ldif options” (page 212)

6.8.1ldif syntax

The ldif command has the following format:

ldif [ -b ] [ attrtypes ] [ optional_options ]

6.8.2 ldif options

Table 6-22 ldif options

Option

Description

-b

Specifies that the ldif utility should interpret the entire input as a single binary value. If -bis not

 

present, each line is considered to be a separate input value.

 

As an alternative to the -boption, use the :< URL specifier notation. For example:

 

jpegphoto:< file:///tmp/myphoto.jpg

 

Although the official notation requires three ///, the use of one / is accepted.

 

NOTE:

 

The :< URL specifier notation only works if LDIF statement is version 1 or later, meaning version:

 

1 is inserted in the lDIF file. Otherwise, the file URL is appended as the attribute value rather than

 

the contents of the file.

 

 

6.9 dbscan

The dbscan tool analyzes and extracts information from a Directory Server database file. See “Database files” for more information on database files.

Database files use the .db2, .db3, and .db4 extensions in their file name, depending on the version of Directory Server.

•“dbscan syntax” (page 212)

•“dbscan options” (page 213)

•“dbscan examples” (page 213)

6.9.1dbscan syntax

dbscan -ffilename [options]

212 Command-line utilities