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Naming and Directory Concepts |
Directory service is a vital component of network computing. Using a directory service, you can simplify applications and their administration by centralizing the storage of shared information. As use of the Java programming language for writing practical applications in a network environment increases, the ability to access naming and directory services becomes essential.Traditional Use of the Directory
A directory-enabled application is an application that uses the naming or directory service. Directory-enabled Java applications and applets, like any other programs running on the network, can make use of the directory in the traditional way: to store and retrieve attributes of directory objects.
A Java mail client program, for example, can use the directory as an address book for retrieving the addresses of mail recipients. A Java mail transfer agent program can use the directory to retrieve mail routing information. A Java calendar program can use the directory to retrieve user preference settings.
By making use of the directory, applications can share the common infrastructure provided by the directory to make applications that are deployed across the system, and even the network, more coherent and manageable. For example, printer configuration and mail routing information could be stored in the directory, so that such information could be replicated and distributed for use by all printer-related and mail-related applications and services.
The Directory as an Object Store
In addition to using the directory in the traditional way, Java applications can also use it as a repository for Java objects. In other words, Java applications can use the directory to store and retrieve Java objects.
For example, a Java print client program should be able to look up a printer object from the directory, and send a data stream to the printer object for printing.
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Naming and Directory Concepts |