A user directory is a centralized database or service that stores and manages information about users, including their credentials (e.g., usernames and passwords), roles, permissions, and other relevant data. It enables organizations to easily manage access control and user authentication across various systems and applications.

Key Features of a User Directory:

1. Centralized Storage: The user directory acts as a central repository where all user information (e.g., usernames, roles, email addresses, group memberships) is stored.
2. Authentication and Authorization: It supports authentication (verifying a user’s identity) and authorization (determining what a user is allowed to access) by connecting to different systems or services.
3. Scalability: User directories are designed to scale, handling large numbers of users and allowing easy management of access control across multiple applications or platforms.
4. Protocol Support: Common directory protocols include LDAP (Lightweight Directory Access Protocol) and Active Directory (AD), which enable easy access and querying of user data.

Common User Directories:

• Active Directory (AD): A popular directory service for managing users, computers, and other resources within a Windows domain.
• LDAP Directories: Directories based on the LDAP protocol that allow querying and managing user information across a network.
• Cloud-based User Directories: These are user directories hosted in the cloud, such as Azure Active Directory or Google Identity Platform, which provide identity and access management for cloud-based applications.

A user directory is essential for identity and access management (IAM), helping organizations securely manage user authentication, authorization, and identity lifecycle processes.