ldapadd/ldapmodify: clarifications needed about these commands

The ldif for ldapmodify has a different syntax than a regular ldif. For example: if you want to add the 'foo' entry with value 'bar' you should write your ldif like this:

dn: cn=ToModify,dc=example,dc=com
changetype: Modify
add: foo
foo: bar

replace: mail
mail: [email protected]

delete: unneededEntry

This ldif will add the attribute foo with value bar, update the mail attribute to [email protected] and delete the unneededEntry. then invoke the ldapmodify command.

ldapmodify -f update.ldif 

(if needed with other options like simple auth for example)

Try the -a switch

Add or modify options:
  -a         add values (default is to replace)