### Strings Representing GDS Attribute Information

Strings that represent GDS attribute information are used to associate the attributes with their values. They are of the form:

attribute_type = attribute_value

The attribute types can either be specified as abbreviations or object identifier strings. An object identifier string is defined as a series of digits separated by the . (dot) character. If attribute abbreviations are used, they are case insensitive. For example, cn=schmid or 85.4.3=schmid.

In the case of attributes with OM_S_OBJECT_IDENTIFIER syntax, the attribute value can also be specified as an abbreviation string. For example, an object class for Residential Person can be specified as OCL=REP or OCL='\ex55\ex06\ex0A'

All leading and trailing white space (surrounding the attribute type, the = (equal sign), and the attribute value) is ignored.

The following are the reserved characters for such strings:

' Used to enclose the attribute values. If this character is used, all other reserved characters within the quoted string except the \e (backslash) are not interpreted. For example, cn=henry mueller

; Separates multiple values of a recurring attribute. All leading and trailing white space (surrounding the semicolon) is ignored. For example, TN=899898;979779

= Associates the attribute with its value.

\x nn Specifies hexadecimal data. The two characters nn are read as the hexadecimal value.

\ Used to escape any of the other reserved characters.

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