Naming and Directory Services (DNS, NIS, and LDAP)

networks: nis [NOTFOUND=return] filesThe networks: nis [NOTFOUND=return] files line specifies a nondefaultcriterion for the NOTFOUND status. Nondefault criteria are delimited by squarebrackets.In this example, the search routine behaves as follows:■■■■If the networks map is available, and contains the needed information, theroutine returns with a SUCCESS status message.If the networks map is not available, the routine returns with an UNAVAIL statusmessage. By default, the routine continues to search the appropriate /etc file.If the networks map is available and found, but the map does not contain theneeded information, the routine returns with a NOTFOUND message. But, instead ofcontinuing on to search the appropriate /etc file, which would be the defaultbehavior, the routine stops searching.If the networks map is busy, the routine returns with an TRYAGAIN statusmessage and by default continues on to search the appropriate /etc file.Note – Lookups in the nsswitch.conf file are done in the order in which items arelisted. However, password updates are done in reverse order, unless otherwisespecified by using the passwd -r repository command. See “The Switch File andPassword Information” on page 44 for more information.What if the Syntax is Wrong?Client library routines contain compiled-in default entries that are used if an entry inthe nsswitch.conf file is either missing or syntactically incorrect. These entries arethe same as the switch file’s defaults.The name service switch assumes that the table and source names are spelled correctly.If you misspell a table or source name, the switch uses default values.Auto_home and Auto_masterThe switch search criteria for the auto_home and auto_master tables and maps iscombined into one category, which is called automount.Timezone and the Switch FileThe timezone table does not use the switch, so the table is not included in the switchfile’s list.Chapter 2 • The Name Service Switch (Overview) 35