Microsoft Azure Active Directory
Microsoft Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) is a cloud-based identity and access management service that provides authentication, authorization, and directory services for applications and resources. It enables single sign-on (SSO), multi-factor authentication (MFA), and user lifecycle management across Microsoft and third-party services. Azure AD serves as the backbone for securing access to cloud and on-premises applications in hybrid environments.
Developers should learn Azure AD when building applications that require secure user authentication, especially in enterprise or Microsoft-centric ecosystems, such as integrating with Office 365, Azure services, or custom SaaS applications. It is essential for implementing identity solutions like OAuth 2.0, OpenID Connect, and role-based access control (RBAC) in cloud-native or hybrid deployments to enhance security and compliance.