A user directory is a centralised repository that stores and organises identity records, attributes and credentials for the principals of a system, supporting authentication and authorisation queries. Common implementations include LDAP directories, Active Directory and cloud identity stores, which identity providers consume to validate and describe users. It is a core component of identity and access management infrastructure.
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- Directories expose standard query protocols such as LDAP and SCIM, manage group membership and policy attributes, and synchronise across federated systems. They underpin single sign-on, role-based access control and lifecycle provisioning of accounts.