hesiod ☆
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Description:
Library for the simple string lookup service built on top of DNS
Type: Formula  |  Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025
Links: Homepage  |  formulae.brew.sh
Category: Networking
Tags: dns networking library system-utilities authentication
Install: brew install hesiod
About:
Hesiod is a C library that implements the Hesiod name service, which uses DNS TXT records to resolve simple queries for user and group information. It provides a simple, stateless mechanism for distributing configuration data across a network without requiring custom protocols or databases. This allows administrators to manage user accounts and service configurations centrally using existing DNS infrastructure.
Key Features:
  • DNS-based lookup service using TXT records
  • Simple C library API for integration
  • Stateless and scalable architecture
  • Configuration via standard /etc/hesiod.conf file
Use Cases:
  • Centralized user account management in distributed environments
  • Sharing configuration data across multiple servers
  • Lightweight alternative to LDAP for simple lookups
Alternatives:
  • LDAP – More complex and feature-rich, requires dedicated server and schema design
  • NIS – Legacy RPC-based system, less secure and harder to manage than DNS-based solutions
Version History
Detected Version Rev Change Commit
Sep 13, 2024 4:43pm 1 VERSION_BUMP 4b260630
Aug 2, 2024 12:38pm 1 VERSION_BUMP 9fc02b5d
Oct 2, 2023 12:04pm 1 VERSION_BUMP 7536d6c0
Nov 28, 2022 10:18pm 1 VERSION_BUMP 58314e57
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