What does LDAP stand for?

LDAP stands for Lightweight Directory Access Protocol, which is a protocol used to access and manage directory information services over an Internet Protocol (IP) network. It is widely used for directory services, enabling clients to connect and interact with a directory server to retrieve information such as user accounts, groups, and other objects within a directory.

The term "lightweight" signifies that it is less complex and resource-intensive compared to its predecessor, the Directory Access Protocol (DAP). LDAP operates over TCP/IP and employs a client-server model, making it effective for environments that require centralized access to directory information, such as for user authentication and authorization in networked applications.

This clarity on the meaning of LDAP emphasizes its importance in systems administration, particularly in integrating directory services with tools like Jamf for managing macOS and iOS devices.