Introduction to the Sample Programs

The source code for two C-language applications that make use of the GSS-API is provided in Appendix A, Sample C–Based GSS-API Programs. One sample application is for a client and the other for a server. This chapter guides you through those applications, step-by-step; it is intended to be read while referring to the cource code. It does not attempt to explain every facet of the applications in detail. Rather, it focuses on the aspects that relate to using the GSS-API.

Because the GSS_API does not automatically clean up after itself, applications and functions using the GSS-API must do so themselves. This means that functions that use GSS-API buffers or GSS-API namespaces, for example, should call GSS-API functions such as gss_release_buffer() and gss_release_name() when they are finished.

To save space and avoid repetition, we have generally not included such cleanup in the following code walk-through. Be aware that it must be performed. However; refer to Appendix A, Sample C–Based GSS-API Programs to see the sample programs in full if you are unsure how or when to use the cleanup functions.