The directory standard defines directory functions in the DAP. The directory functions can be divided into three general categories: read, search, and modify.
Read operations involve the retrieval of information from specific named entries. This allows a general name-to-attributes mapping analogous to the White Pages phone directory.
Search operations involve the general browsing and relational searching of information. Search operations support human interaction with the directory service and is analogous to that of the Yellow Pages telephone directory.
Modify operations involve the modification of information in the directory.