Purpose

The Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) is a directory service protocol that runs on a layer above the TCP/IP stack. It provides a mechanism used to connect to, search, and modify Internet directories.

The LDAP directory service is based on a client-server model. The function of LDAP is to enable access to an existing directory.

The data model (data and namespace) of LDAP is similar to that of the X.500 OSI directory service, but with lower resource requirements. The associated LDAP API simplifies writing Internet directory service applications.

Where Applicable

The LDAP API is applicable to directory management and browser applications that do not have directory service support as their primary function. Conversely, LDAP is neither applicable to creating directories, nor specifying how a directory service operates.

Developer Audience

The LDAP API documentation in the Platform Software Development Kit (SDK) is intended for experienced C and C++ programmers and Internet directory developers.

LDAP supports the C and C++ programming languages.

A familiarity with directory services and the LDAP Client/Server Model are necessary for the development with the LDAP API.

Run-Time Requirements

Client applications that use the LDAP API, run on Windows Vista, Windows XP, and Windows 2000. All platforms must have TCP/IP installed.

Active Directory servers that support client applications using the LDAP API include Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, and Windows 2000 Server.

In This Section

See Also

Directory Services

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Build date: 7/7/2009