Programming Guides › Programming Guide for C › Directory API Guidance › Before You Use the Directory API

Before You Use the Directory API

Before using the Directory API, go to the SiteMinder Administrative UI and create and configure a user directory object with a Custom namespace.

To use the Directory API, you must have the following:

• One or more application developers who have experience with the following tasks:
  • Coding in the C programming language
  • Building shared libraries
  • Using relevant APIs provided by the vendor of the desired directory type
• A supported development environment for building a shared library.

  Because no linking is required, there is no restrictive list of supported development environments. For example, you can use the GNU Compiler Collection (GCC). The Directory API has been tested using the following development environments:

  • UNIX platforms: Sun Visual WorkShop C++ 5.0
  • Windows platforms: Microsoft Visual C++ 6.0
• The SiteMinder Policy Server

  Although you don’t need the SiteMinder Policy Server to build a Directory API application, you need the SiteMinder Policy Server to use the application. The SiteMinder Policy Server calls the Directory API.