Access Control Lists
Access Control Lists (ACLs) are a security mechanism used to define permissions for users or groups to access resources such as files, directories, or network devices. They specify which operations (e.g., read, write, execute) are allowed or denied for each entity, providing fine-grained control over resource access. ACLs are commonly implemented in operating systems, databases, and networking to enforce security policies and protect sensitive data.
Developers should learn ACLs when building applications that require robust security and access management, such as multi-user systems, enterprise software, or cloud services. They are essential for implementing role-based access control (RBAC), securing APIs, and managing permissions in file systems or databases to prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance with security standards.