Java Access Control List (Java ACL)

Last Updated: April 5, 2012

Definition - What does Java Access Control List (Java ACL) mean?

A Java access control list (ACL) is a data structure that grants or denies permission to access resources based on its object entries. The ACL is independent of authentication or encryption schemes, as well as other guarded resources. A typical ACL entry includes a principal or group object, associated permission objects and a positive or negative value. The entry must have a positive value to allow the principal object to perform the action.

The java.security.acl package contains all interfaces required to implement the Java ACL, while the sun.security.acl data structure specifies the default java.security.acl package implementation. The Java ACL principal or group object is a human or system process, and the permission object is a user-allowed operation.

Techopedia explains Java Access Control List (Java ACL)

In the Java ACL model, a user may need to request a specific data operation. The ACL checks its entries to determine user permissions and if the user is authorized, the user may perform the operation. The ACL is a guard that grants or denies access permission by acting on contained data entries.

Java ACL may be explained with the following example: An individual named John wants to delete a particular piece of data. When John makes a request to delete the data, the ACL checks its entries to verify whether or not John may perform this action. If an entry confirms that John is authorized, John may delete the data. If John does not have the appropriate user permission, he is unable to perform the deletion and is denied access.