Java Naming and Directory Interface (JNDI) API

J2SE 1.3.0's new Java Naming and Directory Interface^TM (JNDI) API enables developers to add naming and directory functionality to applications written in the Java programming language. JNDI is designed to be independent of any specific naming or directory service implementation to enable seamless connectivity to heterogeneous enterprise naming and directory services. Thus a variety of services — new, emerging, and already deployed ones—can be accessed in a common way. Developers can use J2SE 1.3.0 to build powerful and portable directory-enabled applications by using this industry-standard interface.

The JNDI architecture consists of an API and a Service Provider Interface (SPI). Java applications use this API to access a variety of naming and directory services. The SPI enables a variety of naming and directory services to be plugged in transparently, allowing the Java application to access their services. JNDI in the J2SE 1.3.0 release comes with service providers for accessing the following services:

• Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) — An Internet standard for accessing directory services

• Common Object Services (COS) Name Server — The name server for storing CORBA object references

• The RMI registry service provider — The name server for storing RMI remote objects