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.
\xnn Specifies hexadecimal data. The two characters nn are read as the hexadecimal value.
\ Used to escape any of the other reserved characters.