SAML
SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is an open standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between parties, particularly between an identity provider (IdP) and a service provider (SP). It uses XML-based assertions to securely communicate user identity information, enabling single sign-on (SSO) across multiple applications without requiring separate logins. SAML is widely used in enterprise and web applications to streamline access management and enhance security.
Developers should learn SAML when building or integrating applications that require secure, federated identity management, such as enterprise software, cloud services, or government systems. It is essential for implementing single sign-on (SSO) solutions, reducing password fatigue, and ensuring compliance with security standards like those in healthcare or finance. Use cases include integrating with identity providers like Okta or Azure AD, enabling users to log in once to access multiple services.