Short for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, a set of protocols for accessing information directories. LDAP is based on the standards contained within the X.500 standard, but is significantly simpler. And unlike X.500, LDAP supports TCP/IP, which is necessary for any type of Internet access. Because it's a simpler version of X.500, LDAP is sometimes called X.500-lite.
Although not yet widely implemented, LDAP should eventually make it possible for almost any application running on virtually any computer platform to obtain directory information, such as email addresses and public keys. Because LDAP is an open protocol, applications need not worry about the type of server hosting the directory.
An introduction to directories and X.500 Contains an overview of directories with specific emphasis on the X.500 directory architecture. Also provides information on the LDAP standard and links to related information about directories, the X.500 standard, and directory services.
An LDAP Roadmap and FAQ Presents an annotated tutorial roadmap of LDAP documents and resources, including information about the IETF's directory service efforts, links to implementations, and links to existing LDAP/X.500-based directories.
LDAP 101: Glue Your Network's Pieces Together 'The protocol nobody ever heard of' is gluing networks together with fast,
flexible directory services and single sign-on for hassled users.
LDAP resources Contains links to LDAP news items, overview documents, client, gateway and server software, mailing list information, and related Web resources.
RFC 1777 Request for Comments document for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP).
