The PingDirectory Server stores its schema as LDIF files in the <server-root>/config/schema directory. At startup, the Directory Server reads the schema files once in alphanumeric order starting with 00-core.ldif and ending with any custom schema definition files, such as 99-user.ldif if present.

You can extend the schema to include additional customizations necessary for your Directory Server data using one of the following methods:
  • Using the Schema Editor. This method is the easiest and quickest way to set up a schema definition and have it validated for the correct ASN.1 formatting. The Editor lets you define your schema properties, load your custom file, or perform a cut-and-paste operation on a new schema element. If any errors exist in the file, the Schema Editor generates an error message if the schema definitions do not pass compliance.
  • Using a Custom Schema File. You can create a custom schema file with your new definitions using a text editor, save it as 99-user.ldif, and then import the file using the Schema Editor or the ldapmodify tool. You must name the custom LDIF file with a high two-digit number prefix, so that the Directory Server will read the file AFTER the core schema files are read at startup. For example, you can name the file, 99-myschema.ldif, etc. See the next section, General Tips on Extending the Schema to see the requirements for naming each file.
  • Using the Command Line. If you have a small number of additions, you can extend the schema over LDAP and from the command line using the ldapmodify tool. The Directory Server writes the new schema changes to a file 99-user.ldif in the <server-root>/config/schema directory. However, this method can be cumbersome as schema definitions require strict adherence to text spacing and white space characters.