About the Directory Schema

A directory schema:

• Contains rules about the kinds of objects you can store in the directory

• Contains rules for how directory servers and clients treat information during operations such as a search

• Helps to maintain the integrity and quality of the data stored in the directory

• Reduces duplication of data

• Provides a predictable way for directory-enabled applications to access and modify directory objects

The directory schema contains all information about how data is organized in the DIT--that is, metadata such as that for an object class, an attribute, a matching rule, and syntax. This information is stored in a special class of entry called a subentry. More specifically, Oracle Internet Directory, following LDAP Version 3 standards, stores this information in the subentry called subSchemaSubentry.

You can add new object classes and objects by modifying subSchemaSubentry. You cannot, however, add new matching rules and syntaxes beyond those already supported by Oracle Internet Directory.