Finding Objects by Class

A typical search queries for a specific object class. The following code example searches for computers with location in Building 7N.

(&(objectCategory=computer)(location=Building 7N))

Consider why objectClass is used. Do not use objectClass without another comparison that contains an indexed attribute. Index attributes can increase the efficiency of a query. The objectClass attribute is multi-valued and not indexed. To specify the type or class of an object, use objectCategory.

// Less efficient
(objectClass=computer)
 
// More Efficient
(objectCategory=computer)

Be aware that there are some cases where a combination of objectClass and objectCategory must be used. The user class and contact class should be specified as follows.

(&(objectClass=user)(objectCategory=person))
 
(&(objectClass=contact)(objectCategory=person))

Be aware that you could search for both users and contacts with the following.

(objectCategory=person)