The lckpwdf() and ulckpwdf() functions enable modification access to the password databases through the lock file. A process first uses lckpwdf() to lock the lock file, thereby gaining exclusive rights to modify the /etc/passwd or /etc/shadow password database. See passwd(4) and shadow(4). Upon completing modifications, a process should release the lock on the lock file using ulckpwdf(). This mechanism prevents simultaneous modification of the password databases. The lock file, /etc/.pwd.lock, is used to coordinate modification access to the password databases /etc/passwd and /etc/shadow.

If lckpwdf() is successful in locking the file within 15 seconds, it returns 0. If unsuccessful (for example, /etc/.pwd.lock is already locked), it returns -1.

If ulckpwdf() is successful in unlocking the file /etc/.pwd.lock, it returns 0. If unsuccessful (for example, /etc/.pwd.lock is already unlocked), it returns -1.

These routines are for internal use only; compatibility is not guaranteed.

/etc/passwd

password database

/etc/shadow

shadow password database

/etc/.pwd.lock

lock file

See attributes(5) for descriptions of the following attributes:

getpwnam(3C), getspnam(3C), passwd(4), shadow(4), attributes(5)