LDAP (Lightwieght Directory Access Protocol) is a protocol used to access various information in a directory. LDAP was developed on the basis of X.500 only it is easier and supports TCP/IP. Although its use is not yet widespread, LDAP which is an Open Protocol is very flexible because it can be implemented for applications such as E-mail, Public Key with various platforms and operating systems.
This LDAP is part of the Internet Protocol. This LDAP is used to access a directory, for example the telephone directory, the email directory of a company and so on. In LDAP, it not only reads information, but can also add and update information in that directory.
LDAP is also equipped with SASL (Simple Authentication and Security Layer) to check and ensure whether a user has the right and is allowed to enter or not. That's why LDAP is also widely used for 'single sign on', that is, with one sign-on, users can access various applications that have been provided.
