OSF DCE Administration Guide--Core Components

CDS Concepts
Every object can have a defined class, which is an optional attribute of the object entry.
DCE components that use the directory service can define their own object classes and
supply class-specific attributes for the directory service to store on their behalf. Class-
specific attributes have meaning only to the particular class of objects with which they
are associated.
The clearinghouse object entry represents a special class of object that is predefined by
CDS. A clearinghouse object entry serves as a pointer to the location of a clearinghouse
in the network. CDS needs this pointer so that it can look up and update data in a
clearinghouse.
When you create a clearinghouse, CDS creates its clearinghouse object entry
automatically. The clearinghouse object entry acquires the same name as the
clearinghouse. The clearinghouse object entry is like any other object entry in that it
describes an actual resource, but it is different because it is solely for internal use by
CDS. Clearinghouses can only be created in the cell root directory. Therefore, all
clearinghouse object entries are stored in the cell root directory. CDS itself updates and
manages clearinghouse object entries when necessary. They do not require any external
management except in rare problem-solving situations. (See your vendor for help in these
situations.)
12.2.2 SoftLinks
A soft link is a pointer that provides an alternate name for an object entry, directory, or
other soft link in the cell’s namespace. You can do minor restructuring of a cell’s
namespace by creating soft links that point from an existing name to a new name. Soft
links also can be a way to give something multiple names so that different kinds of users
can refer to a name in a way that makes the most sense to them.
Soft links can be permanent, or they can expire after a period of time that you specify. If
the name that a soft link points to is deleted, CDS deletes the soft link automatically
when it expires.
CDS managers should use soft links carefully. They should not use soft links to
completely redesign the cell’s namespace or to provide shortcuts for users who do not
want to use the full name of an object entry. Overuse of soft links makes CDS names
more difficult to keep track of and manage.
12.2.3 Child Pointers
A child pointer provides the following kinds of connections for cells:
• Between a directory to another directory immediately beneath it in a cell’s
namespace
• Between a parent and its child cell
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