Identity Provider
An Identity Provider (IdP) is a system or service that creates, maintains, and manages digital identity information for users, and provides authentication services to other applications or services (known as service providers). It centralizes user authentication, typically using protocols like SAML, OAuth, or OpenID Connect, to enable single sign-on (SSO) and secure access control across multiple systems. IdPs are essential in enterprise environments, cloud applications, and federated identity scenarios to streamline user management and enhance security.
Developers should learn and use Identity Providers when building applications that require secure user authentication, especially in enterprise settings, multi-tenant SaaS platforms, or systems integrated with external services. They are crucial for implementing single sign-on (SSO), reducing password fatigue, and ensuring compliance with security standards like GDPR or HIPAA. Common use cases include integrating with corporate directories (e.g., Active Directory), enabling social logins (e.g., via Google or Facebook), and managing user identities in microservices architectures.