SAML 2.0
SAML 2.0 (Security Assertion Markup Language 2.0) is an XML-based open standard for exchanging authentication and authorization data between parties, particularly between an identity provider (IdP) and a service provider (SP). It enables single sign-on (SSO) functionality, allowing users to log in once and access multiple applications without re-entering credentials. It is widely used in enterprise environments, cloud services, and federated identity systems.
Developers should learn SAML 2.0 when implementing or integrating secure authentication systems, especially in enterprise applications that require SSO across multiple services. It is essential for scenarios involving identity federation, such as connecting internal systems with cloud-based applications (e.g., using Azure AD or Okta as IdPs), and for compliance with security standards in industries like finance or healthcare.