What is Lightweight Directory Access Protocol or LDAP ?
LDAP is an open standard protocol (such as HTTP, FTP,
GOPHER, etc.) for directory services on the Internet.
Basically, it's a way to read, search, add and remove
information from a centralized and/or distributed
databases. LDAP is similar to the older X.500 Directory
Access Protocol (DAP), but without some of it's overhead
(such as session and presentation OSI layers).
So what
does all this mean? Well, for example, you'll be able to
look up email addresses by entering your friends' name
quickly using a standard interface. So, LDAP clients will
be linked in with your address book and other frequently
used databases.
Applicable Keywords : Internet, World Wide Web