What does LDAP stand for?

LDAP stands for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol. It is a protocol used to access and maintain distributed directory information services over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. LDAP provides a way for clients to interact with directory services, enabling the querying and modification of directory entries.

The term "lightweight" in its name refers to its design which minimizes the overhead required for directory access, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, especially when dealing with authentication and directory queries in enterprise environments. This is crucial for handling user data, such as usernames and passwords, in systems requiring user verification.

Understanding the importance of LDAP is particularly valuable in the context of integration and identity management, where it is often employed for managing user accounts and permissions across various applications and systems within an organization.