Benefits of Using Scripts

Using scripts provides several values to administrators. First, it provides clear documentation for what you are doing. If using a script for administration, you can always go back and reference exactly what you did.

Scripts provide a vehicle for logging exactly what you have done. By creating your scripts with logging, you are able to create an additional audit trail for what you are doing. This is a clear advantage over the point-and-click interface of a graphical user interface (GUI) .

Scripts also provide a direct and quick interface to the directory. Rather than loading a GUI and traversing a tree with several clicks, you are able to get directly to the information with scripts.

Repetitive tasks do not require repetitive action if using a script. As an example, if you know that you are always going to use the same address when adding a user to the directory, you are able to create a script that always uses the same address. This also decreases user data entry errors. As you can see, the advantages of using scripts start to add up. A careful plan that includes well-documented scripts results in an easy and efficient customized administration toolset. The following list summarize the benefits of scripting:

• Clear documentation of administrative tasks

• Logging and documentation of tasks actually executed

• Quick and direct access to the directory

• Efficiency for repetitive tasks