README FOR authorize
--------------------
authorize is a tool that demonstrates the use of Mac OS X Authorization
Services. It requests access to a specified right for the user.

It could be used within a privileged program to confirm access to some
functionality, but there are safer ways to use the Authorization Services API.
And you could use sudo instead. So this is mainly a demonstration program to
illustrate how entries in /etc/authorization work.


INSTALLATION
------------
In the Makefile, set INST_ROOT to wherever you want the software installed. You
may also need to change the INSTALL command, depending on the location and
version of "install" on your system.

You'll need the Developer Tools installed on your system.

Then run "make install".


USE
---
Rights are configured in /etc/authorization. You request access to a right by
running "authorize right_name". The result of the request is printed to standard
output as "success" or "failure", and the exit status is set appropriately.


PLATFORMS
---------
authorize has been tested on the following platforms:

	- Mac OS X
		- versions 10.2.x


CHANGES
-------
You're not required by the license to submit changes back to the source, but I'd
appreciate enhancements of general applicability. You can email new versions or
contextual diffs ("diff -c old_file new_file") to <tools@occam.com>. Some things
to keep in mind if you do this:

	- Formatting
		- I use tabs for indentation, and sometimes to align code
			segments for readability. Please do the same.
		- Please don't use NotePad or some other Windows editor to make
			changes. Or if you do, get rid of the DOS linefeeds
			before submitting changes.
		- Please try to follow the formatting conventions established
			in the existing code.

	- Readability
		- Usually, I will trade off efficiency (of running time or of
			development time) in favor of readability.
		- Insert meaningful comments where appropriate.


CONTRIBUTORS
------------
Leon Towns-von Stauber


Enjoy!


Copyright (c) 2002-2003. All rights reserved.

See the LICENSE file distributed with this code for restrictions on its use
and further distribution.
Original distribution available at <http://www.occam.com/tools/>.