LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol)

LDAP stands for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. It is a widely used networking protocol for accessing and managing directory information. LDAP is commonly used to provide a centralized directory service for storing and organizing information about users, groups, devices, and other resources within a network.

LDAP operates over TCP/IP and is designed to be lightweight and efficient, making it well-suited for tasks such as user authentication, authorization, and directory searches. It allows clients to query and modify directory entries stored on a server using a standardized syntax.

LDAP directories are hierarchical and organized in a tree-like structure with entries that have attributes (such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and permissions). LDAP servers can be used in various applications, including user authentication and authorization in network services, email systems, and other identity management solutions.