ldap3 vs python-ldap: What are the differences?

Introduction

When comparing ldap3 and python-ldap, it's important to understand their key differences to determine which library best suits your needs for LDAP integration in Python.

1. Codebase: ldap3 is a pure Python implementation, while python-ldap is a wrapper around the OpenLDAP C library. This means that ldap3 can be easily installed and used without any external dependencies, whereas python-ldap may require compiling and linking to the OpenLDAP C library.

2. Python Compatibility: ldap3 is compatible with both Python 2 and Python 3, providing a seamless transition for developers. On the other hand, python-ldap is primarily designed for Python 2.x and requires additional steps for compatibility with Python 3, making ldap3 a more future-proof choice.

3. API Design: ldap3 offers a higher-level, more Pythonic API that abstracts away the complexities of LDAP operations, making it easier for developers to use. In contrast, python-ldap closely mirrors the OpenLDAP C library, providing a lower-level API that may be more complex and less intuitive for beginners.

4. Performance: Due to its pure Python implementation, ldap3 may have slightly slower performance compared to python-ldap, which directly interfaces with the high-performance OpenLDAP C library. If performance is a critical factor for your LDAP integration, python-ldap may be a better choice.

5. Community Support: While both libraries have active communities, ldap3 has gained popularity in recent years due to its cleaner design and more modern approach. This means that ldap3 may have more up-to-date documentation, examples, and community support compared to python-ldap.

6. License: ldap3 is distributed under the LGPLv3 license, which allows for more flexibility in usage compared to the GPL license used by python-ldap. Depending on your project's licensing requirements, this difference may influence your choice between the two libraries.

In Summary, ldap3 and python-ldap differ in terms of codebase, Python compatibility, API design, performance, community support, and licensing, making it crucial to consider these factors when selecting the appropriate library for your LDAP integration needs in Python.