Page created: 4 Feb 2020
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Page updated: 22 Jul 2020
Based on RFC 4512, object classes can be a combination of three different types:
-
Abstract object classes are used as the base object class, from which structural
or auxiliary classes inherit its properties. This inheritance is a one-way relationship as
abstract object classes cannot be derived from structural or auxiliary classes. The most
common abstract object class is
top
, which defines the highest level object class in a hierarchical chain of object classes. -
Structural object classes define the basic attributes in an entry and define
where an entry can be placed in a DIT. All entries in a DIT belong to one structural
object class. Structural object classes can inherit properties from other structural
object classes and from abstract object classes to form a chain of inherited classes. For
example, the
inetOrgPerson
structural object class inherits properties from theorganizationalPerson
structural class, which inherits from another object class, person. - Auxiliary object classes are used together with structural object classes to define additional sets of attributes required in an entry. The auxiliary object class cannot form an entry alone but must be present with a structural object class. Auxiliary object classes cannot derive from structural object classes or vice-versa. They can inherit properties from other auxiliary classes and from abstract classes.