Light Weight Dicrectory Access Protocol
LDAP stands for **Lightweight Directory Access Protocol**.
It is a protocol used to access and manage directory information over a network.
## What LDAP is Used For
LDAP is commonly used for:
* User authentication (login systems)
* Centralized user management
* Employee directories
* Permission and access control
* Single Sign-On (SSO)
Many organizations use LDAP with systems like:
* [Microsoft Active Directory](https://www.microsoft.com/windows-server/active-directory?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [OpenLDAP](https://www.openldap.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
## Simple Example
When you log into a company computer:
1. Username and password are sent to the LDAP server
2. LDAP checks the directory database
3. If valid, access is granted
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## LDAP Directory Structure
LDAP stores data in a tree-like structure.