Abstract: A method of hierarchical LDAP searching in an LDAP directory service having a relational database management system (DBMS) as a backing store. The method begins by parsing an LDAP filter-based query for elements and logical operators of the filter query. For each filter element, the method generates an SQL subquery according to a set of translation rules. For each SQL subquery, the method then generates a set of entry identifiers for the LDAP filter query. Then, the SQL subqueries are combined into a single SQL query according to a set of combination rules chosen corresponding to the logical operators of the LDAP filter query.

Abstract: A method of hierarchical LDAP searching in an LDAP directory service having a relational database management system (DBMS) as a backing store. According to the invention, entries in a naming hierarchy are mapped into first and second relational tables: a parent table, and a descendant table. These tables are used to "filter" lists of entries returned from a search to ensure that only entries within a given search scope are retained for evaluation. Thus, for example, the parent table is used during an LDAP one level search, and the descendant table is used during an LDAP subtree search. In either case, use of the parent or descendant table obviates recursive queries through the naming directory.