Open Directory is Apple's implementation of directory services, which is used to manage network resources and user accounts in a macOS environment. It functions similarly to Microsoft's Active Directory and is used to manage authentication, authorization, and other directory-based services. This article will guide you through setting up and managing Open Directory on a macOS Server.

Examples:

1. Setting Up Open Directory on macOS Server:

   To set up Open Directory, you need to have macOS Server installed. Follow these steps to create an Open Directory Master:

   • Open the Server app on your macOS machine.
   • In the sidebar, select "Open Directory."
   • Click "Turn On" to start the setup process.
   • Choose "Create a new Open Directory domain" and click "Next."
   • Enter the required information, including the directory administrator account and organization details.
   • Click "Next" and review the settings.
   • Click "Set Up" to complete the process.

2. Adding Users to Open Directory:

   Once Open Directory is set up, you can add users:

   • Open the Server app.
   • In the sidebar, select "Users."
   • Click the "+" button to add a new user.
   • Fill in the user details, such as full name, account name, and password.
   • Assign the user to groups if necessary.
   • Click "Create" to add the user to the directory.

3. Binding macOS Clients to Open Directory:

   To bind a macOS client to the Open Directory server:

   • Open "System Preferences" on the client machine.
   • Go to "Users & Groups" and click "Login Options."
   • Click "Join" next to "Network Account Server."
   • Enter the Open Directory server's address and click "OK."
   • Authenticate with the directory administrator credentials to bind the client.

4. Using Terminal to Manage Open Directory:

   You can also manage Open Directory using Terminal commands. Here’s how to list users in the directory:

   dscl localhost -list /LDAPv3/127.0.0.1/Users

   To add a user via Terminal:

   sudo dscl localhost -create /LDAPv3/127.0.0.1/Users/username
   sudo dscl localhost -create /LDAPv3/127.0.0.1/Users/username UserShell /bin/bash
   sudo dscl localhost -create /LDAPv3/127.0.0.1/Users/username RealName "Full Name"
   sudo dscl localhost -passwd /LDAPv3/127.0.0.1/Users/username password